The Evanston Police Department began a Thanksgiving traffic enforcement campaign Monday.

From now through Nov. 25, officers will be on heightened watch for seat belt and drunk driving violations, according to a news release Wednesday. EPD will also cite drivers who are talking or texting on a cell phone without a hands-free device.

Young people and night-time passengers are statistically some of the least likely groups to buckle up, according to the release. During the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday, there were eight traffic crash-related fatalities and more than 800 such injuries statewide.

— Jia You