Motorists in Chicago's 15th (Austin) District, take note: a DUI Saturation Patrol is rolling out this weekend, and the cops are on the lookout for any hint of impaired driving. According to the Chicago Police Department, the operation is kicking off on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 6 p.m. and will run until 2 a.m. the following Saturday morning. City streets will be swarming with roving officers, all with a sharp eye on catching driving violations, especially those under the influence of booze or drugs.
But it’s not just the drink or the drugs they're after. The patrol is also targeting other naughty road behaviors – speed demons, seatbelt rebels, and insurance dodgers. Rolling out alongside these officers, complete with speed detectors, the Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit is ready to process DUI charges on the spot, aiming to cut through the red tape and get alleged offenders processed quicker. In a recent similar patrol in the 7th (Englewood) District, they chalked up a total of 55 citations, but, interestingly, no DUIs were listed among them.
That recent sting in Englewood saw the scooter squad hauling in drivers for unsafe vehicles by the baker's dozen and spotting eight insurance violators. Toss in a few tickets for seat belt violations and one for a child seat violation, and it's clear safety is on their radar. Speeding citations were notably lower at three, and no one got nabbed for using their cell phone while driving. Despite the variety of infringements, it's worth noting, that travelers kept their records clean for DUI offenses.
The upcoming patrol in Austin could likely offer a similar blend of enforcement, a stark reminder to drivers that safety is not to be taken lightly. Those caught can expect swift justice on the roadside with I-Bonds issued then and there. Last time, while no vehicles were towed and no arrests outside of traffic violations were made, travelers should not get complacent; the police are out there, and they mean business.
