Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
The Park Forest Police Department is ramping up its enforcement of seat belt laws as part of the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which coincides with Memorial Day weekend, a peak travel period. The initiative began on May 16 and will continue until May 27.
Deputy Chief Kristopher Vallow highlighted the life-saving potential of seat belts, urging that wearing them should become an automatic habit. “Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for everyone," said Vallow. "It’s not just safe; it’s the law. During this campaign, law enforcement agencies will collaborate to ensure that this message reaches all drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest way to reduce injuries or save lives in a crash.”
In a similar effort last year, increased patrols resulted in over 100 citations during the 11-day campaign. Vallow noted that the focus remains on safety rather than revenue generation.
Illinois implemented its seat belt law nearly four decades ago on July 1, 1985, requiring drivers and front-seat passengers aged eight and older to buckle up. Children under eight must be secured in child safety seats. In July 2003, Illinois strengthened this legislation by allowing officers to stop vehicles solely for seat belt violations.
Since these measures were introduced and reinforced, compliance has significantly improved from 15.9% in 1985 to 92.4% in 2024. "This dramatic improvement underscores the law’s effectiveness in promoting compliance and enhancing roadway safety," Vallow stated.
Despite high compliance rates during daytime hours, there is still room for improvement among those who do not regularly wear seat belts. "While Illinois achieved an impressive 92.4% daytime seat belt usage rate in 2024, there’s still room for improvement," said Vallow.
Vallow assured that officers would maintain strict enforcement throughout the campaign period without exceptions.
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