Illinois officials ramp up enforcement for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — State officials are reminding drivers to stay focused behind the wheel as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies to increase patrols and crack down on distracted driving across the state.

Throughout the month, officers will be watching for behaviors such as texting, using social media, watching videos and other distractions while driving.

State data shows distracted driving continues to be a serious issue. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 250 people were killed and over 28,000 were injured in crashes involving distractions in Illinois. In 2024 alone, distracted driving was linked to 51 deaths, making up more than 4% of all traffic fatalities.

Illinois law prohibits drivers from manually using electronic devices while operating a vehicle, including texting, video streaming or scrolling through social media. Officials say even hands-free use can still take a driver’s attention off the road.

Authorities are urging drivers to silence notifications or enable “do not disturb” mode before getting behind the wheel and to pull over in a safe location if they need to use their phone.

The campaign is part of a nationwide effort supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reduce distracted driving. Additional enforcement efforts in Illinois are funded through federal safety programs administered by IDOT.

More information about the campaign can be found here:Put the phone away or pay