The Illinois State Police (ISP) is set to conduct Distracted Driving Enforcement Patrols in Effingham, Marion, Richland, and White counties during May. This initiative aims to enforce distracted driving laws and reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. Distracted driving involves activities that divert attention from driving, significantly increasing crash risks. Key statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlight the dangers:
Over 3,000 fatalities annually involve distracted driving.
Reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds.
Nearly 10% of injury crashes involve distracted drivers.
The enforcement will focus on:
Prohibition of texting, video streaming, and internet browsing while driving.
Ban on handheld electronic communication devices for all drivers.
Drivers under 18 are forbidden from using any cellphones, even hands-free.
Cellphone use is banned in school and work zones, and for school bus drivers.
It is illegal to use devices within 500 feet of an emergency scene.
This program is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
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