This holiday season, the Champaign Police Department is working to help ensure that drivers slow down, drive sober, and arrive safely at their destinations. This effort is being undertaken through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies. Drivers can expect high-visibility enforcement throughout Illinois during holiday and New Years travel, from December 12, 2025, through January 5, 2026.
“Your Champaign Police Department is spending the holidays keeping the roads safe in our community, but we need your help,” said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. “From taking care on slick roads to avoiding careless decisions, we are asking you to look out for yourself and other drivers. That means reducing speed, driving sober, and paying attention to the road to arrive safely wherever you’re headed.”
To travel safely during winter weather, slow down and stay focused on the road. This includes obeying the posted speed limit and avoiding distractions such as texting, scrolling, or gaming while driving. Other important tips to be safe on the roads include:
- If you plan to drink or use intoxicants, planning ahead to select a designated driver before you go out.
- Remembering other safe options to get home, including taxis, public transit, or rideshare.
- Buckling up for safety on the roads.
- Stopping friends from driving impaired by taking their keys and helping them get home safely.
- Making sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt.
- Promptly reporting erratic driving to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 9-1-1.
During the traffic campaign, officers will promote visible enforcement of Illinois law to encourage drivers to follow the rules of the road. Those found to be impaired, unbuckled, or committing other moving violations will be issued written warnings and citations, when appropriate. Efforts to address these concerns in Champaign will focus on arterial routes.
These efforts are undertaken by officers on assigned, grant-funded details. They are conducted in addition to the routine proactivity of Champaign Police personnel on routine patrol. This Illinois traffic safety campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.