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About The Traffic Section

This nationally recognized section is highly trained and motivated. The current Traffic Section is commanded by a Sergeant, and includes 7 deputies, a Coordinator and an Administrative Clerk. Three deputies are experienced Traffic Re-constructionists and have attended Northwestern University’s prestigious Traffic Institute. The two newest deputies in the section, as well as the the deputy in charge of vehicle seizures, have recently attended reconstruction courses at Northwestern University’s Traffic Institute.

The Traffic Section has a primary responsibility to promote traffic safety throughout Will County. Major Crash Investigation; Hit and Run investigations; DUI, Speeding and Occupant Restraint enforcement; Traffic Safety education, Child Passenger Safety education; and conducting Special Projects are all part of the duties of personnel assigned to the Traffic Section.

This Section has expanded its duties to include the Department’s DUI Enforcement, Hit and Run investigations, traffic safety information and education and child passenger safety.

Major Crash Investigation

6 of the Traffic Section deputies are specially trained investigators in Traffic Accident Reconstruction. During the Fiscal Year of 2014, the Department investigated 1267 property damage accidents and 287 personal injury accidents. The Traffic Section also investigated 16 fatal crashes that occurred on our roadways. The Traffic Section utilizes state of the art instruments and software programs that allow the deputies to thoroughly reconstruct both serious personal injury and fatal crashes.

 Deputies investigating a crash

Traffic Enforcement

Enforcement is prioritized to areas where there is a high incidence of traffic crashes. Department citations issued during Fiscal Year 2014 amounted to 14,373. 2684 written warning citations were also issued by the department.

In addition to regular enforcement efforts, the Department also participates in national seat belt and drunk and drugged driving enforcement campaigns throughout the year.

Another priority area includes response to citizen complaints regarding ongoing traffic violations throughout the county. During Fiscal Year 2014, 100 traffic complaints were addressed by the Traffic Section.

 Deputies directing traffic

Education

The Traffic Section participates in numerous education programs to promote traffic enforcement and safety. Recently trough an IDOT grant the Traffic Section purchased SIDNE (simulated intoxicated driving experience) from the company FATAL VISION. The SIDNE along with the use of the FATAL VISION goggles are used by the Traffic Section in the local drivers’ education programs to promote the dangers of drinking and driving. In 2008 the traffic section has participated in the drivers education courses at Lincolnway Central, Lincolnway East and Lincolnway North. We have also participated in the Road to Reality programs held at Lincolnway Central and Lockport High schools.

 Sheriff Squad and the SIDNE car demonstration setup

Overweight Truck Enforcement

The Sheriffs’ Department also has an overweight truck enforcement unit. This unit’s responsibility is to patrol the counties roadways and enforce the truck laws as they pertain to weight and size limits. As a comparison the Will County Highway Department issued 16,743 overweight permits in 2007.This increased to 42,045 overweight permits for fiscal year 2008. This is a significant increase with more trucking terminals coming into the county this unit provides a much needed check and balance. The unit also employs the use a 6 portable scales. This allows the deputies the ability to go throughout the county.

 Deputy pulled over an overweight truck

Engineering

Traffic Section clerical personnel are responsible for entering information on all crashes investigated by Department Personnel into databases. Reports are then generated and high crash locations are identified and analyzed. This information is then shared with the Will County Highway Department and all Township Highway Departments, as well as the Village of Homer Glen.

Changes to several traffic control devices at various intersections have occurred because of these coordinated efforts.