IDOT Grant Programs
Independence Day Traffic Enforcement Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department announced it issued 53 seat belt citations during the Independence Day “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period. During the Independence Day Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 67 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 102 traffic stops; cited 53 seat belt violators; cited 16 distracted drivers; and issued 12 other various traffic violation citations. The Department joined forces with more than 200 other state and local law enforcement agencies to get drunk and drugged drivers off our roads, encourage seat belt use, and enforce speeding and other traffic laws. Independence Day Traffic Enforcement Campaign Results
Independence Day Traffic Enforcement Campaign
The Harwood Heights Police Department is gearing up for increased traffic enforcement to ensure the safety of all residents and motorists. From June 21 through the early-morning hours of July 8, 2024 our officers will be working tirelessly to keep impaired drivers off the road and ticketing unbuckled motorists. “It’s a straightforward message: If you're behind the wheel, stay sober. Don’t drink, use marijuana, or consume any other impairing substances before or when driving,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “Our officers will be on duty around the clock, dedicated to enforcing traffic laws and, most importantly, saving lives.” Independence Day Traffic Enforcement Campaign Press Release
Memorial Day "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department issued 24 citations during the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period. “Through the Memorial Day enforcement campaign, we helped make Illinois roads safer and spread the word that seat belts save lives,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. During the Memorial Day Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 15 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 19 traffic stops; cited 13 seat belt violators; cited 3 distracted drivers; and issued 8 other various traffic violation citations. Memorial Day "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign Results
Memorial Day "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign
Summer is just around the corner and, while travel plans may vary, one thing remains constant: the need to wear your seat belt. With this in mind, the Harwood Heights Police Department today announced that, now through Memorial Day weekend, it is stepping up enforcement efforts to remind motorists to “Click It or Ticket.” “Whether you’re driving around the corner or across the nation, remember to buckle up every time,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. The consequences of not wearing or improperly wearing a seat belt are clear. In 2022, Illinois had 300 fatalities involving unrestrained passengers. Seat belts only save lives when they are used. Remember to “Click It or Ticket” day and night - every trip, every time. Memorial Day "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign Press Release
Distracted Driving Awareness Month Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department participated in April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month Enforcement Campaign which ran throughout the entire month of April, reminding motorists to "Drop It and Drive." During the Distracted Driving Awareness Month Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 188 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 244 traffic stops; made 3 traffic arrests; cited 151 distracted drivers; cited 5 seat belt violators; cited 2 speeding violators; and issued 60 other various traffic violation citations. “We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason - to save lives,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. Distracted Driving Awareness Month Campaign Results
Distracted Driving Awareness Month Campaign "U Drive. U Text. U Pay."
The Harwood Heights Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to step up enforcement efforts across the state in recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Throughout April, motorists can expect increased patrols looking for texting and driving as well as other traffic violations. “Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone we see texting and driving. We do this to save lives.” If you need to text, pull over to a safe location - or if you have a passenger, consider appointing a “designated texter.” Whatever the solution, don’t text and drive. Also, using your phone in anything other than hands-free mode is not only dangerous, it is illegal in Illinois. Distracted Driving Awareness Month Campaign "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." Press Release
St. Patrick's Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted traffic enforcement during the St. Patrick’s Day campaign March 8-19 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. During the St. Patrick’s Day Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 34 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 42 traffic stops; made 2 DUI traffic arrests; cited 12 seat belt violators; cited 8 distracted drivers; and issued 21 other various traffic violation citations. “We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason, to save lives,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. St. Patrick's Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign Results
St. Patrick's Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and many Illinoisans will be celebrating with parades and parties featuring green beer and cocktails. To remind motorists of the dangers of drunk driving and to help keep our streets safe, The Harwood Heights Police Department is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation for a stepped-up traffic safety campaign. In addition to looking for impaired drivers, the Harwood Heights Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest. "Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, we anticipate that alcohol consumption will increase both that day and throughout the weekend,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly, starting with a plan for a sober ride home before you leave the house.” St. Patrick's Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign Press Release
Super Bowl Weekend "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted a traffic safety campaign February 9 - 12, 2024 during the Super Bowl Weekend reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. The goal was to keep impaired drivers off the roads and ensure more people buckle up and follow all traffic safety laws. During the Super Bowl Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 17 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 18 traffic stops; arrested 1 driver for DUI; arrested 1 driver for a suspended license (DUI Related); cited 6 seat belt violators; cited 1 distracted driver; and issued 14 other various traffic violation citations. Super Bowl Weekend “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” Campaign Results
Super Bowl Weekend "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" Campaign
Super Bowl weekend is here, and the Harwood Heights Police Department is reminding football fans and Super Bowl partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. Fans don’t let fans drive drunk. “Everyone wants to have a good time on Super Bowl night, so we want our community residents and guests to plan for safe rides home,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “Even one drink or hit can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drive impaired.” Super Bowl Weekend "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" Campaign Press Release
Holiday “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaigns' Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted a holiday traffic safety campaign December 15, 2023-January 2, 2024 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization was conducted by the Harwood Heights Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to help reduce highway fatalities. During the Holiday Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 33 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 41 traffic stops; cited 13 seat belt violators; cited 1 distracted driver; and issued 23 other various traffic violation citations. Holiday “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaigns' Results Flyer
Holiday “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaigns
The holidays are a time for caring and sharing, which is why the Harwood Heights Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to step up traffic enforcement efforts for the “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over“ campaigns. From December 15 through January 2, 2023, law enforcement across Illinois will show zero tolerance for alcohol and drug-impaired driving in order to keep our roads safe and help ensure a happy holiday season. “If you’ll be celebrating with festive drinks or other impairing substances, make a plan for a safe ride home before you leave for the party,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. Holiday "Click it or Ticket" & "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaigns Flyer
Thanksgiving "Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted a traffic safety campaign November 17-27, 2023 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization was conducted by the Harwood Heights Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to help reduce highway fatalities. During the Thanksgiving Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 28 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 38 traffic stops; cited 6 seat belt violators; cited 7 distracted drivers; and issued 24 other various traffic violation citations. Per Sergeant Nick Ramirez, "This year’s campaign was successful in grabbing people’s attention with highly visible enforcement methods. As always, our goal is a safe community with safer drivers.” Thanksgiving "Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign Results Flyer
Thanksgiving "Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaigns
This Thanksgiving, the Harwood Heights Police Department is joining the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement to ensure holiday travelers are buckled up and driving sober with a “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign that runs November 17-27, 2023. “Thanksgiving means more vehicles on the road – and an increased risk of crashes,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “No matter how long or short your drive, remember to buckle up and make sure children are in a safe seat. By buckling up and planning for a sober ride home, you help everyone have a safe and happy holiday.” "Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaigns Flyer
Halloween “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department participated in the Halloween Enforcement Campaign reminding motorists to “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” During the Halloween Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 34.5 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 46 traffic stops; cited 11 seat belt violators; cited 7 distracted drivers; and issued 25 other various traffic violation citations. Law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois participated in this effort to save lives by getting impaired drivers off the roads and more people buckled up. The Halloween Enforcement Campaign took place from October 14 through November 1, 2023. Halloween “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Results
Halloween “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaigns
The Harwood Heights Police Department has announced it is stepping up traffic enforcement efforts for the Halloween “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over “campaigns that will run October 14 - November 1, 2023. “We want all of our Harwood Heights trick-or-treaters to be safe this Halloween,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “If you’re planning on treating yourself at a Halloween party, please be sure to make plans for a ride home. Planning ahead will help keep you and others safe.” Never get behind the wheel impaired. It is illegal in Illinois to drive impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or any other impairing substance. DUIs are not restricted to alcohol-related offenses. If you drive high, you’ll get a DUI. Halloween “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaigns Flyer
Harwood Heights Police Dept Awarded Traffic Enforcement Grant
The Harwood Heights Police Department has been awarded federal funding for the 2024 Federal Fiscal Year to conduct additional traffic safety efforts through the Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant. The STEP Grant Program focuses on high-visibility enforcement and strategies aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing traffic crashes. "We’re pleased to receive this grant for the second year in a row to help step up our traffic safety efforts with the goal of reducing traffic crashes, educating drivers of dangerous driving behaviors, and saving lives,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. "Our mission is to educate the public on risks associated with dangerous driving behaviors as well as stopping, citing, and arresting those who choose to violate traffic laws through proactive patrols.” The 2024 STEP Grant year runs from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. The Harwood Heights Police Department will also conduct additional enforcement to supplement mandatory, and optional campaign enforcement dates scheduled during some of the deadliest travel times of the year. The additional enforcement efforts will focus on the leading contributory causes of crashes which include speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, failure to yield, and disobeying traffic control devices and signals, as well as occupant restraint violations. Harwood Heights Police Dept Awarded Traffic Enforcement Grant Press Release
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” & “Drive High, Get a DUI" Labor Day Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department participated in the Labor Day Enforcement Campaign reminding motorists to “Click It or Ticket." During the Labor Day Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 58 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 68 traffic stops; cited 14 seat belt violators; cited 17 distracted drivers; issued 33 other various traffic violation citations; and made 1 traffic arrest for no valid license. “Through the Labor Day enforcement effort, we helped to make our roads safer and remind motorists to buckle up,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. Click here to see the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” & “Drive High, Get a DUI" Labor Day campaign results.
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” & “Drive High, Get a DUI" Labor Day Campaign
The Harwood Heights Police Department today announced it is partnering with the Illinois State Police and law enforcement across the state to step up efforts to stop impaired driving and help save lives as we near the end of summer and the busy Labor Day weekend. This high-visibility enforcement campaign runs from August 18 through the early-morning hours of September 5, 2023. During this period, motorists can expect to see roadside safety checks, more officers on the road, and increased messaging about the dangers of impaired driving. In addition to looking for drunk drivers, the Harwood Heights Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” & “Drive High, Get a DUI" Labor Day Campaign Flyer