Madison County Boosts Traffic Patrols for St. Patrick's Week

Increased enforcement aims to prevent impaired driving and enhance road safety during festive period.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:15pm

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The Madison County Sheriff's Office will join the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation in a stepped-up traffic safety campaign from March 13 through March 23, 2026, to deter drunk, high, or drug-impaired driving around St. Patrick's Day in Madison County, Illinois.

Why it matters

St. Patrick's Day celebrations often involve alcohol consumption, which can increase the risk of impaired driving and related accidents. The enhanced patrols and enforcement efforts aim to promote public safety and reduce the number of impaired driving incidents during this festive period.

The details

During the enforcement period, officers will be on the lookout for drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs, including prescription medications. They will also increase seat belt enforcement, particularly at night, and strictly enforce speeding, distracted driving, and other traffic laws.

  • The enforcement campaign will run from March 13 through 6 a.m. on March 23, 2026.
  • St. Patrick's Day falls on a Tuesday this year, so celebrations are expected throughout the entire week, as well as the weekends before and after.

The players

Madison County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that will be participating in the increased traffic patrols and enforcement efforts.

Illinois State Police

The state law enforcement agency that will be working alongside the Madison County Sheriff's Office during the campaign.

Illinois Department of Transportation

The state transportation agency that is administering the federal traffic safety funds for the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Drive High. Get a DUI" enforcement campaign.

Capt. Matt Werner

A spokesperson for the Madison County Sheriff's Office who discussed the enforcement efforts.

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What they’re saying

“With St. Patrick's Day falling on a Tuesday this year, we expect celebrations throughout the entire week — plus the weekends before and after. We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly. Plan for a sober ride home before you leave the house — your safety and the safety of others depend on it.”

— Capt. Matt Werner, Madison County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The enhanced traffic patrols and enforcement efforts will continue through the end of the St. Patrick's Day weekend on March 23, 2026.

The takeaway

This campaign highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat impaired driving and promote road safety, especially during high-risk periods like holidays and celebrations that often involve alcohol consumption. By increasing patrols and enforcement, the authorities aim to deter impaired driving and protect the community.