Will County Gazette

The Park Forest Police Department will participate in a statewide Labor Day traffic-safety campaign alongside more than 200 law enforcement agencies across Illinois. The initiative, which starts this Friday and runs through the early morning of September 2, focuses on preventing impaired driving, ensuring seatbelt use, and addressing other dangerous driving behaviors.

The department’s increased patrols are part of several campaigns, including “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket.” These efforts are supported by federally funded programs administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and reinforced by the “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the consequences of impaired driving.

“Driving under the influence—whether it's alcohol, cannabis, or any impairing drug—is not only risky; it's illegal,” said Deputy Chief Kristopher Vallow. “This season, let’s make safety our shared priority. Our officers will be out in full force, and there will be no room for excuses.”

Recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that during last year’s Labor Day holiday period (September 1–5), there were 511 traffic fatalities nationwide. Of these deaths, 36% involved at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration at or above .08. Among drivers aged 18 to 34 who died during this time frame, nearly half had BACs over the legal limit.

Vallow noted that such statistics underscore why local police are intensifying their efforts during the holiday weekend.

“Buckling up is the most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash,” Vallow emphasized. “Everyone in the vehicle—front seat or back—should be properly buckled for every trip.”

The police department encourages residents to plan ahead for safe travel by designating sober drivers or using ride-sharing services.