Don’t Drive Distracted

(Undated) — The IDOT is partnering with the ISP and local law enforcement agencies for stepped-up distracted driving awareness patrols. Throughout the month, additional law enforcement officers will be watching for texting, social media use, video viewing, and other forms of distracted driving. According to IDOT statistics, 253 people died, and 28,271 people were injured in crashes involving distractions between 2020 and 2024 in Illinois. Officials remind the public that Illinois law prohibits drivers from manually using an electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle, including texting, streaming video, participating in video conferences, or accessing social media. They say even legal hands-free use can still take a driver’s attention off the road. The traffic safety effort is a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration campaign focused on distracted-driving prevention.