72 Drivers Ticketed In 10 Days For Using Shoulders To Beat Traffic, Cook County Sheriffs Office Says

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office ticketed 72 drivers in just ten days for illegally riding on expressway shoulders, part of enhanced patrols aimed at improving road safety. Since late June, over 900 citations have been issued for this offense, reflecting ongoing concerns about dangerous driving behaviors. A video from the sheriff’s office emphasizes that using the shoulder can surprise other drivers, potentially causing collisions. Convictions related to this violation could lead to fines of up to $1,000. The sheriff’s office has ramped up enforcement efforts, including the use of a new police helicopter that captured 49 drivers on video.

On September 26, officers ticketed more than 100 drivers within a few hours. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb unsafe driving practices, including speeding and texting while driving. Enhanced patrols signal a commitment to maintaining safer roadways in Cook County.