It’s a scenario that has played out far too often along LaGrange Road in Orland Park this year: Flashing blue and red lights of a village police cruiser cut through the twilight dusk. An officer sits stationed near 151st Street or any of the cross streets along LaGrange Road. Radar gun active, humming with data.
For months, the Orland Park Police Department had received a surge of resident complaints about aggressive driving. The long, wide lanes of LaGrange Road had turned into an unofficial drag strip after dark. Drivers routinely cleared 80 miles per hour in 45-mph zones, weaving in-and-out through evening traffic.
Chief Eric Rossi had seen enough. That morning, he announced a high-visibility enforcement campaign. More squad cars, more speed traps and zero tolerance. Chief Rossi said recently that the department began an initiative with other local departments to “Take Back LaGrange Road” from the increased numbers of speeders that fly down the popular roadway both north and south.
Rossi said Orland Park is working with departments including: Cook County, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills and Willow Springs to crack down on speeding motorists.
Orland Mayor Jim Dodge praised Rossi and his department for its initiative in keeping LaGrange Road safe.
“I appreciate what the officers are doing and they have the full board’s gratitude,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see Oland Park collaborating and cooperating with other government agencies.” Dodge said police have made more than 5,000 traffic stops this year, a significant increase over previous years.
The officer checked his mirrors. The evening rush hour had faded, leaving behind the high-velocity commuters.
Just then, a loud, modified exhaust roared in the distance. The officer looked up as a sleek, midnight-blue sedan tore past his position. The radar gun beeped instantly: 78 mph in a 45 mph zone. The officer shifted his cruiser into drive and hit his sirens. The squad’s brake lights tapped immediately, the driver pulling over near the dynamic sign of the Orland Square Mall.
The officer approached the driver’s side window. The young man inside looked nervous, his hands shaking on the steering wheel. “Good evening,” the officer said, his voice firm but calm. “Do you know why I pulled you over?” “I was rushing home, officer,” the driver said. “I didn’t realize how fast I was going.” “You were doing more than thirty (mph) over,” the officer replied.
“With this new initiative, we are writing citations for everyone putting this community at risk. I need your license and insurance.” In Illinois, aggravated speeding is driving 26 miles over the posted speed limit.
As the officer walked back to his cruiser to process the ticket, he noticed three other Orland Park squad cars parked at strategic intervals further down LaGrange Road. Their presence was a clear message to the community. By the end of the shift, the department had issued numerous citations.
The heavy police presence is working.