The Park Forest Police Department issued more than 130 citations and made multiple arrests during two traffic enforcement campaigns conducted in the weeks leading up to and during Super Bowl weekend, department officials announced. Both traffic enforcement campaigns were funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
An additional enforcement campaign targeting speeding violations ran from Jan. 19 through Feb. 5. Officers dedicated 48 hours of overtime patrols aimed at curbing excessive speed and other traffic offenses.
During that period, officers conducted 86 traffic stops and issued 109 citations. Of those, 51 were for speeding and five were for seat belt violations. Police also cited two drivers for distracted driving and issued 51 additional citations for other traffic-related offenses. Five people were arrested for license violations, and one additional arrest was made on a criminal matter unrelated to traffic enforcement.
Deputy Chief Kristopher Vallow said the campaign was designed to increase visibility on roadways and address behaviors that frequently contribute to crashes.
“Speeding continues to be one of the leading factors in serious and fatal crashes,” Vallow said. “By dedicating additional patrol hours, we are sending a clear message that unsafe driving will not be ignored in Park Forest.”
Vallow added that winter conditions can make speeding even more dangerous.
“When you combine excessive speed with unpredictable weather and road conditions, the risk increases significantly,” he said. “These enforcement efforts are about preventing injuries before they happen.”
The department then shifted its focus to impaired driving as part of its Super Bowl enforcement campaign, which ran from Feb. 6 through Feb. 9. The initiative coincided with one of the busiest weekends of the year for gatherings and alcohol consumption.
Over 12 hours of additional enforcement, officers conducted 18 traffic stops and issued 22 citations. One seat belt citation and two speeding citations were issued, along with 18 additional citations for other violations. Police made one arrest for driving without a valid license and one traffic-related arrest for fleeing and eluding.
“The Super Bowl is a time when many people gather with friends and family, and unfortunately, that can sometimes include impaired driving,” Vallow said. “Our goal is not just enforcement, but deterrence. We want people to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or use a rideshare service.”
Vallow said the department will continue high-visibility enforcement during major holidays and community events.
“These campaigns are about keeping our roads safe for everyone — drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike,” he said. “We would much rather see someone make a safe choice than have to respond to a preventable crash.”
The department’s next traffic safety initiative will focus on impaired driving ahead of St. Patrick’s Day. That campaign is scheduled to run from March 13 through March 23.