Illinois State Police troopers cited several drivers during their most recent “Trooper in a Truck” detail.
On Wednesday, August 12, Illinois troopers conducted a four hour enforcement detail on I-55 between Pawnee and Williamsville, according to the State Journal-Register. Troopers in semi trucks patrolled the interstate, using their height advantage to spot drivers who are texting or otherwise distracted.
From the Illinois State Police District 9 Springfield:
“Officers riding in a Truck tractor semi trailer spotted violators. Those violations were radioed to officers ahead of the truck. A total of 13 citations were issued, 10 of which were distracted driving, 2 were to commercial motor vehicles. Remember, you never know who is watching. Put your phone down and pay attention while driving. It’s up to all of us to do our part. We also would like to thank the media for riding along and helping to get the word out about the dangers of distracted driving.”
Back in July, the Illinois State Police District 13 DuQuoin conducted a similar operation on I-57.
The Nebraska State Patrol also conducted a similar Trooper in a Truck operation earlier this year.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol also uses semi trucks to disguise their troopers — and they even have their own custom Peterbilt designed for this purpose.