File Photo – Illinois State Police | Photo via Max Weingardt

The Illinois State Police are warning participants of a vehicle convoy protest, which is expected to begin in Gurnee and travel through Illinois this week, not to endanger the safety of the public.

The state police said they have become aware of a planned event along several interstate corridors scheduled from February 26 to March 5.

Truck drivers plan to conduct a “convoy” causing traffic delays and potentially leading to crashes, the state police said in a statement.

Posts in several Facebook groups show a convoy of trucks along with other vehicles are planned to meet at Gurnee Mills mall in Gurnee at 5 p.m. Tuesday and depart an hour later heading southbound on Interstate 94.

“This is not just a truckers convoy, this is The People’s Convoy! We hope to see many of you either in the convoy or on the road ways and overpasses cheering them on. Even if you can not travel all the way to DC, even if just for a mile or two all the support is appreciated,” one Facebook post said.

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“Though the Illinois State Police respects the rights of citizens to express their opinions in a lawful manner, there is great concern with any event that is designed to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic,” Illinois State Police Division of Patrol Colonel Margaret McGreal said.

“Traffic backups are a major contributing cause to traffic crashes which lead to property damage, personal injury, and even death. A planned event designed to impede normal traffic flow is dangerous to the innocent motoring public. Those who choose to participate in events that intentionally endanger the public and violate Illinois law will be subject to the enforcement of applicable laws and could potentially be held liable for traffic crashes occurring as a result of their actions,” McGreal said.

The Illinois State Police said they caution motorists who “engage in acts that could endanger the safety of the motoring public.”

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