COOK COUNTY - The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is cracking down on reckless drivers who use the shoulder to bypass traffic — and they’re using a new helicopter to do it.

What we know:

The department launched enhanced expressway patrols this month, targeting dangerous driving along major routes including the Eisenhower Expressway.

In just three hours, deputies issued 120 tickets to motorists caught driving on the shoulder. Of those, 49 were flagged by helicopter surveillance.

Social media users reacted to the strategy after the sheriff’s office shared video of officers using the helicopter to track violators. While reaction was mixed, most applauded the tactic.

The fines are steep. Tickets for shoulder driving range from $250 to $1,000.

Officials stressed the initiative is not just

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