The Illinois State Police are conducting a 24-hour semi truck inspection spree on Interstate 294 on March 28th, 2017.
The annual enforcement operation is dubbed “Operation Sauter,” in honor of Trooper James Sauter, who was killed in 2013 when his police vehicle was struck by a semi truck on I-294.
During last years “Operation Sauter”, troopers conducted 1657 inspections within 24 hours, placing 114 commercial vehicles out of services and handing out 1037 written warnings to drivers. Police called last years operation a “success.”
“It has been four years since the tragic loss of Trooper James Sauter, but we will continue to honor his legacy by enforcing road safety laws and keeping the highways of this state safe for all who travel on them,” said Illinois State Patrol director Leo Schmitz.
During this year’s operation, troopers will be focusing on driver’s logbooks. Troopers will also be looking out for distracted driving, seat belt use, speeding, and intoxicated driving, WAND-17 reports.
This is the fourth year that “Operation Sauter” has been observed.