EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department has joined the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement to ensure holiday travelers are buckled up and driving sober with a “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Thanksgiving enforcement campaign. The campaign begins this Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, and runs to Monday, Nov. 27, 2023.

Edwardsville Police Lt. Bradn Whittaker said no matter how short or long the drive, remember to buckle up and make sure children are in a safe seat."

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

"By buckling up and making a plan for a sober ride home, you help everyone have a safe and happy holiday," he said. "Don’t be the Turkey this Thanksgiving.” The goal of this high-visibility effort is to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities. Proper seat-belt use is the most effective way to protect vehicle occupants."

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the statewide seat-belt usage rate has room for improvement at 92.9%.

If you’ll be celebrating with alcohol or other impairing substances, please remember:

Article continues after sponsor message

Plan for a sober ride home before you go out.

Call a taxi, take mass transit or ask a family member to get you home safely.

Use your favorite ride-share service, such as Uber or Lyft, or take public transportation.

If you see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call 911.

Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is the best defense against an impaired driver.

The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

More like this:

Zero Tolerance For Impaired Drivers During Independence Day Travel
Jun 30, 2026
Madison County Launches July 4 Traffic Safety Crackdown
Jun 22, 2026
Alton Police Begin Holiday Crackdown on Impaired and Unbuckled Drivers
Jun 18, 2026
Alton Police Fourth of July Crackdown Nets 2 Fugitives
Jul 7, 2026
Illinois Agencies Launch Memorial Day ‘Click It Or Ticket’ Seat Belt Campaign
May 20, 2026