The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police has released the results of this year’s Illinois Speed Awareness Day campaign, with the goal of saving lives.
More than 100 police agencies submitted results.
And in one day in July, the 22nd, they wrote nearly 4,000 speeding tickets statewide.
They also made hundreds of arrests for various reasons.
“We have heard drivers offer many reasons for speeding,” said Eric Bardon, the association president and Chief of Police in Zion.
“Some day they are running late, believe the speed limit is unreasonable, or they’re simply keeping up with the flow of traffic,” he said. “Others admit that speeding is just the preferred way of driving.”
This was the tenth year for the speed awareness campaign.
Results have varied since then.
“There is no acceptable level of speeding,” Bardon said during a press conference.
Scott Kristiansen, with the association, notes that COVID created bad driving habits.
People weren’t getting pulled over as much. And those habits continue today.
Press release:
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) is proud to announce that nearly 4,000 speeding citations and hundreds of arrests were made during the 2026 Illinois Speed Awareness Day, a statewide traffic safety initiative focused on reducing speeding and raising awareness about the dangers of excessive speed. The day of awareness was held in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and law enforcement agencies across the state to promote safer roads and save lives.
A total of 160 law enforcement agencies registered to participate in this year’s initiative, with 126 agencies submitting enforcement results. Participating officers and deputies reported working a combined 5,153 hours during Speed Awareness Day.Key Results for 2026:
- Total Citations Issued: 5,556
- Speeding Citations: 3,795
- Other Citations: 1,761
- Total Warnings Issued: 3,090
- Speeding Warnings: 1,863
- Other Warnings: 1,227
- Arrests:
- 18 DUI (alcohol) arrests
- 7 DUI (drug) arrests
- 211 traffic arrests
- 86 criminal arrests
- 54 local ordinance arrests
While the initiative was centered on speed enforcement, officers encountered a wide range of criminal and traffic-related activity during their patrols.
Notable Enforcement ActivityAmong the incidents reported by participating agencies were:
- 1 stolen vehicle recovered
- 6 drivers cited for traveling 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit
- 2 drivers stopped for traveling at 110 mph, including one traveling 110 mph in a 30 mph zone
- 1 AR-15 pistol recovered
- 1 felony theft arrest
- 2 arrests for possession of a controlled substance
- 1 drug arrest involving intent to deliver
- 1 reckless driving arrest involving a motorcycle
- 2 arrests for operating without a valid CDL, including one driver possessing a fraudulent CDL
Community Outreach and Public Education
Public awareness was a critical part of this year’s success, with nearly 100 community outreach efforts statewide. Agencies connected with residents through social media campaigns, print media, as well as radio and television interviews.
“There is no acceptable level of speeding,” ILACP President Eric Barden stated. “By working together we share a common goal, reducing crashes, preventing injuries, and most importantly, saving lives.”
“These numbers demonstrate why traffic safety enforcement matters,” said Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Kenny Winslow. “Speeding is not simply a traffic violation, it can have devastating consequences for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other motorists. This year’s results demonstrate the hard work and dedication of Illinois law enforcement to ensuring our roads are safer for everyone.”
The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police thanks the law enforcement agencies and officers who participated in the 2026 Illinois Speed Awareness Day and recognizes their commitment to traffic safety and proactive enforcement.
Illinois Speed Awareness Day History
First launched by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) in 2016, this campaign continues to grow, including partnerships with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Illinois Tollway Authority, Illinois State Police (ISP), AAA, and hundreds of law enforcement agencies statewide. Speed Awareness Day is a two-pronged effort, combining an education/public outreach component, along with a high visibility enforcement effort.
The ILACP’s goal is to build and coordinate a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) program to include public and private partnerships to address the issues of excessive speeding. By combining efforts, a common goal can be achieved: reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and, more importantly, save lives through proactive enforcement and public awareness.
About the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
The ILACP is the professional organization of Chiefs of Police and other leaders of law enforcement and public safety organizations in the State of Illinois. It is Illinois' leading police executive organization. ILACP promotes the professionalism and personal development of its members through innovative services, training, and camaraderie to make a positive impact on the quality of life in the communities our members serve.
