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Illinois State Police announce NITE patrols in southeastern Illinois

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 12:07 PM

By Steve Anderson

Illinois State Police Troop #9 based out of Effingham will conduct Nighttime Enforcement (NITE) patrols across the region in the upcoming month of March.

NITE patrols are scheduled in Lawrence along with four other counties. Those types of patrols will focus on impaired driving and use of occupant restraint devices (seatbelts) between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. They will be funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Statistics show that the number of unrestrained drivers killed in traffic crashes is significantly higher during that time period. Over 50% of all fatal vehicle crashes in Illinois occur at night and alcohol and drug impairment is estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state.