EFFINGHAM– Illinois State Police (ISP) District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announces the ISP will conduct Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (sTEP) in Marion, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette and Clay Counties during May. These sTEPs allow the ISP to focus on these fatal four violations, DUI, safety belt and child restraint use, speeding, and distracted driving, which contribute the greatest to traffic crashes and fatalities The ISP will increase daytime and nighttime patrols to ensure the safety of vehicle travelers through enforcement of all traffic safety laws.  Impaired driving is a factor in more than 30 percent of traffic deaths in Illinois.  Likewise, speeding is a factor in nearly 35 percent of fatal crashes; and, nearly 50 percent of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were known to not be buckled up.  This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.