This year, the IACP welcomed attendees from across the globe to the 2025 Impaired Driving and Traffic Safety (IDTS) Conference in Chicago, Illinois, on August 4–6. The event brought together more than 1,200 attendees from all over the world to share knowledge about effective and proven approaches for improving road safety, the latest science on alcohol- and drug-impaired driving enforcement, and ways agencies can use traffic safety education to engage and build trust with their communities. With more than 40 engaging workshops and several networking opportunities, attendees were able to learn about the most pressing road safety issues from the field and obtain actionable guidance to bring back to their organizations.

The event kicked off with a series of welcome remarks from police leaders and traffic safety advocates. Larry Snelling, superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, provided perspective on the importance of building connections at the event, sharing, “The collaboration across the floor is extremely important in sharing of ideas, because nobody knows every single thing and we can all learn from each other.”

Christopher Owen, colonel of the Illinois State Police, highlighted the critical need for continued traffic safety efforts: “Impaired driving remains a persistent and preventable threat to public safety. It’s our responsibility and our opportunity to lead with innovation, vigilance, and unity.”