Tinley Park Police to Step Up Patrols for July 4

The Tinley Park Police Department will join the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police and hundreds of local law enforcement agencies across the state in enforcing seat belt laws during the Fourth of July holiday.

As of January 1, 2012, all Illinois drivers and passengers must wear seat belts in all seating positions in the car, not just the front seat. During statewide observational surveys conducted by IDOT in 2013, the overall usage rate for rear seat occupants was 77.4 percent versus 93.7 percent for drivers and front seat passengers.

“The Fourth of July holiday is a busy summer driving time, and we want to ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound,” said Sgt. Chris Butler of the Tinley Park Police Department. 

In 2012, back seat passengers in Illinois accounted for 46 fatalities and more than 5,000 injuries. Of those 46 fatalities, 30 were not wearing a seat belt.

“Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists still are not buckling up, especially in the back seat,” Butler said. “Our goal is to save more lives, so Tinley Park police officers will be out enforcing seat belt laws around the clock, looking for those who are not buckled up, in all seating positions. If you are caught not wearing your seat belt, you will be ticketed. Remember – wearing your seat belt is your best defense against an impaired driver.”

While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign runs from June 23 to July 7, officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.

“Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same,” Butler said. “You will save the cost of a ticket and may save a life.”