Palos Park Police Patrolling for Impaired and Distracted Drivers

PALOS PARK, IL -- Palos Park police are joining other south suburbs in putting extra patrols on streets and roads in an effort to curb drunk and distracted driving during holidays. The “Safe for the Holidays” program targets different types of roadway dangers in the hopes of getting the message out there will be zero tolerance for distracts, careless or reckless driving. The safety campaign is in effect through the early morning hours of Jan. 2.

Police will be placing a special emphasis on distracted driving, which mainly includes talking on the cellphone and texting. On average, about nine people are killed each day and more than 1,100 are injured in traffic accidents in the United States involving distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Motorists are also reminded that combining careful planning with sensible driving will lead to safer holiday travel for all making a trek during the busiest travel week of the year. Simply putting traffic laws into practice will prevent accidents and save lives. These include:

• Drive the speed limit.
• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
• Signal when turning, changing lanes or taking an exit.
• Refrain from texting or using your phone.
• Move over whenever law enforcement, fire trucks, ambulances or tow trucks are occupying a lane.

Drivers are also reminded to plan their trips with care:
• Fill the gas tank prior to your journey.
• Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid and tire pressure.
• Fully charge your cell phone.
• Carry winter blankets, drinking water and snacks
• Check traffic conditions before leaving home

“The holidays are a good time for police to pay extra attention to traffic safety because drivers often are not,” Palos Park Police Commissioner Dan Polk said. “Many times, motorists are focused on their holiday shopping rather than the rules of the road.”