Throughout April, law enforcement officers will work together to enforce texting and distracted driving laws. According to the press release from the state this month, (Can be found here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.26319.html) the Illinois Department of Transportation is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to promote Distracted Driving Awareness Month, reminding drivers to “Drop it and Drive.”
Put Away All Distractions
“Drop It and Drive” is a good slogan to remind drivers to avoid distractions and focus solely on driving. This means putting away any distractions, such as mobile phones, food or drink, or anything else that could take your attention away from the road.
Keep Yourself – and Others Safe!
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, and even a momentary distraction can lead to a serious incident. By committing to the “Drop It and Drive” philosophy, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
It’s important to remember that driving is a responsibility, and your actions behind the wheel can have a significant impact on the safety of yourself and others. By making a conscious effort to avoid distractions and focus on driving, you can help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe journey for everyone on the road.
Hand-held Electronic Devices
The press release goes on: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 32,000 people died in distraction-affected crashes from 2011 to 2020. In 2020, there were 3,142 deaths linked to driver distraction or 8% of all traffic fatalities. Unless you are using the hands-free mode, hand-held electronic devices cannot be used while driving in Illinois.
Citations & Warning Stats
“Last year, the Illinois State Police issued more than 7,200 citations and almost 10,500 warnings for distracting driving. We’ve already issued more than 1,300 citations and 1,900 warnings this year,” said ISP Division of Patrol Deputy Director Col. Margert McGreal. “The most common distracted driving offenses include talking or texting on the phone. Don’t put yourself and others in danger while driving. Buckle up and put the phone down.”
Keep these four tips in mind while driving:
- Pull over and park in a safe area if you are expecting or sending a text.
- You can ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.”
- When driving, avoid scrolling through social media or messaging.
- Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature.
Driving Dangerous
The use of a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, and getting caught can be costly. Don’t text or call until you reach your destination to save money and possibly your life. Don’t forget to “Drop it and Drive.” April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to avoid distracted driving.
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