Chambana Sun

On July 23, the Champaign Police Department participated in a traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speeding as part of the statewide Speed Awareness Day. The operation was conducted in partnership with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and over 200 local law enforcement agencies.

“Every day, Champaign Police join our partners across Illinois in keeping our roads safe for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists,” said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. “The joint focus of Speed Awareness Day helped to keep our communities safe from speeding and the real harm it can cause.”

During the campaign, officers dedicated 53 hours to enforcement efforts, focusing on major roads and areas near neighborhoods. As a result of these efforts, police issued 19 warnings for traffic infractions and 61 citations. Of those citations, 40 were for speeding violations. Additional citations included seven for expired registration, five for driving without insurance, four for driving without a valid license, four for moving violations such as running stop signs or failing to signal, and one citation for distracted driving. Officers also made two arrests related to outstanding warrants.

The Speed Awareness Day campaign received support through federal traffic safety funds provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation.