Police Beat by Tom Geyer

Illinois State Police will hold speed enforcment, seatbelt enforcement and patrols targeting drunken drivers throughout the month of April in Rock Island County.

Drivers need to remember that in Illinois failing to wear a seatbelt is now a primary stop. So any cop that sees a driver or passenger not wearing a seatbelt can pull them over without having to find other traffic offenses to perform a traffic stop.

Also, the cost of drunken driving in Illinois has skyrocketed now that first-time offenders have to get a blow machine attached to their car if they want to be able to at least drive to work. Otherwise, it’s a suspension of the ol’ driver’s license for at least 60 days; which means no driving at all.

So, beware, the cops are going to be out in force in April in Rock Island County. Make sure all the lights on your vehicle are working, including break lights and turn signals. Use your signal lights when turning or making a lane change, and don’t speed. That way you’re less likely to be stopped.