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All
distractions – whether texting, eating, or talking – can be dangerous when
you’re behind the wheel. Throughout April, 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,
save lives, and make Illinois roads safer.
“Distracted
driving is a serious issue that also is preventable,” said Cynthia Watters,
IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Plenty of people
think they’re excellent drivers and can multitask. Distractions behind the
wheel jeopardize your safety, your passenger’s safety, and the well-being
of those around you when you shift your attention from the road.”
According
to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 26,004 people died
in crashes nationwide involving a distracted driver between 2012 and 2019.
While overall crash fatalities decreased slightly from 2018,
distraction-related fatalities increased by 10%. The number of deaths
linked to driver distraction reached 3,142 nationwide, accounting for
nearly 9% of all crash fatalities in 2019. This represents a 10% increase
since 2018. Distraction accounted for the largest increase in reported
causes of fatalities in 2019.
Distracted
driving continues to be a problem in Illinois and takes many forms. In
2020, 9,432 crashes on Illinois roads involved a distracted driver. In
Illinois, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while using an
electronic communication device to text or make a call unless using
hands-free mode.
“We’ve all
seen people trying to text and drive, or who are distracted by something
else while on the road,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Taking
your eyes off the road for even a few seconds puts your life and the lives
of others at risk. Distracted driving is unsafe and irresponsible, and the
consequences can be deadly.”
To keep
your attention on the road where it belongs, remember these tips:
·
If
you need to send a text or check your phone, pull over and park your car in
a safe location.
·
Make
a passenger your “designated texter.” Let them use your phone to respond to
calls or messages.
·
Do
not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
·
Cellphone
use can be habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Put the
cellphone in the trunk or back seat.
Using a
mobile phone while driving is dangerous, but getting caught can also be
expensive and embarrassing. Save your money and maybe even a life – wait
until you reach your destination to text or call. Remember: Drop it and
Drive!
The
Illinois distracted driving safety campaign is administered by IDOT with
federal traffic safety funds.
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