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IDOT, ISP to Motorists: Drop it and Drive

Extra enforcement on roads during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

information provided by Illinois Department of Transportation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (April 24, 2018) – As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Illinois Department of Transportation is making $500,000 in federal highway safety dollars available to nearly 100 local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to step up distracted driving enforcement through April 30.

“Too many drivers in Illinois engage in the deadly and illegal habit of using a mobile device while driving,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “These reckless drivers are putting not only themselves in danger but also their passengers, other motorists, or pedestrians. Put down the phone until you get to where you’re going. It’s simply not worth the risk.”

As fatalities on Illinois roads continue to increase, distracted driving is a growing concern for IDOT and other highway safety advocates. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it takes your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. It distracts the driver visually, manually, and cognitively, putting everyone on the road at risk. Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving blind at 55 mph for the length of a football field.

It is against the law in Illinois to use a handheld mobile device while driving. Penalties for violating this law include a fine of up to $75 for a first offense.

 

The Lansing Journal
The Lansing Journalhttps://thelansingjournal.com
The Lansing Journal publishes news releases from state, county, and local officials who provide information that impacts local community life. The particular contributor of each post is indicated in the byline.