Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) is used in Illinois as a means to reduce impaired driving and other dangerous driving behaviors. STEP allows for federal funding to be directed to local law enforcement agencies so they can increase their traffic enforcement efforts. The federal money makes it easier for local governments to pay for more robust enforcement.
STEP puts more police officers on the roads during traffic enforcement campaigns to prevent drunk and drug-impaired driving. While this is true, it is not the only thing that STEP is primarily focused on. STEP campaigns support the broader goal of traffic safety, which is to lessen dangerous driving behaviors and ultimately protect motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
STEP Campaigns Target Dangerous Driving Behaviors
There are several hazardous and unsafe driving behaviors that STEP campaigns intend to address.
DUI and Impaired Driving Enforcement
Officers may conduct directed patrols to watch traffic and look for signs of drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When an officer observes a reckless driver and suspects impairment, the driver may be asked to participate in a field sobriety test, undergo additional evaluation, or a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) may do a more in-depth assessment.
While an important component of traffic safety, impaired driving is only one of the behaviors that officers may look for during a STEP campaign.
If you were arrested for a DUI in Illinois, you need an attorney. Call the Chicago DUI defense lawyers at Glasgow & Olsson for the most competent and aggressive legal representation.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Another traffic safety concern is drivers who exceed posted speed limits or engage in aggressive driving behaviors. Enforcement efforts are intended to encourage motorists to slow down and recognize how unsafe speeding is. These individuals who speed or are aggressive can be stopped and cited.
Distracted Driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that distracted driving is doing anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the act of driving. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous and affects thousands of Americans every year. Each day in the U.S., nine people are killed in crashes that involve a distracted driver. Increased enforcement reinforces traffic laws about distracted driving such as not using a cell phone while behind the wheel every time you get behind the wheel.
Seat Belt and Occupant Protection
Seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in a car crash. Enforcement campaigns emphasize this and the need to use appropriate restraints every time you travel. Drivers can expect that if an officer pulls them over for a traffic violation and notices that they or their passengers are not wearing properly adjusted and fastened seat belts, this is a petty offense that can come with a fine.
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When facing a DUI charge, the quality of your legal representation can shape the course of your life. At Glasgow & Olsson, we don’t just practice DUI defense—we help define it.
Thomas Glasgow is widely recognized as a leading authority on DUI law in Illinois. He lectures statewide for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, contributes to the definitive DUI legal manual used by attorneys across the state, and is a trusted legal voice on major networks including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
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