The Caseyville Police Department announced that it will join with 200 other Illinois law enforcement agencies conducting increased patrols during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

The Caseyville Police station / Photo by Roger Starkey

Beginning Nov. 17, Caseyville officers will heavily enforce seatbelt, alcohol and cell phone violations. Additional enforcement will take place late at night, when seatbelt use is at its lowest and impaired driving is the biggest problem, Caseyville police said.

The Illinois Department of Transportations Sustained Traffic Enforcement Grant Program (STEP) is providing funding for the increased patrols.

The driver and all passengers in a vehicle in Illinois are required to wear a seat belt.