Rock Island, Illinois – The Rock Island Police Department has announced plans for a heightened traffic enforcement campaign surrounding the July Fourth holiday, with a strong focus on identifying and removing impaired and unbuckled drivers from the road.
. The safety initiative will run from June 20 through July 7, covering three summer weekends before and after Independence Day.
“We’re asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely,” said Chief Tim McCloud. “It’s simple: If you’re driving, don’t drink or use cannabis or other impairing substances. Our officers will be working diligently to keep impaired drivers off the road and ensure everyone is buckled up.”
The Rock Island Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and over 200 local police and sheriff’s departments in a coordinated, statewide effort.
To help ensure a safe holiday for everyone, residents are encouraged to follow these important safety tips:
• Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.
• If you are impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or any other substance, call a taxi, use mass transit, a ride-share service, or ask a sober friend or family member for a ride.
• Use your community’s designated driver program.
• Report impaired drivers immediately by pulling over and dialing 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt. It’s not only the law—it’s your best defense in a crash.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). These enforcement efforts are supported by IDOT’s "It’s Not a Game" media campaign, which highlights the serious consequences of impaired and unsafe driving.