MATTOON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, April, Illinois law enforcement agencies will increase patrols looking for texting and driving as well as other traffic violations.
In a press release, the Mattoon Police Department said its department, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and 200 local law enforcement agencies will partner together to step up enforcement efforts to stop distracted driving across the state.
“Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today,” said Captain Brandon Saunders. “During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement agencies will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone we see texting and driving.”
The Mattoon Police Department said approximately 32,000 lives were lost in crashes involving distracted drivers, between 2012 and 2021. Even though everyone has the potential to be involved in a distracted driving crash, the department said those between the ages of 16 and 24 are especially at risk.
In Illinois, using your phone in anything other than a hands-free mode is dangerous, but also illegal. That is why the department says if you need to text, pull over to a safe location or if you have a passenger, consider making them a designated texter.
