DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Decatur Police Department has teamed up with law enforcement agencies across Illinois to remind drivers to put the phone away or pay.
Officer Brad Saul stops driver using cellphone.Â
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police, and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies, Decatur officers will increase enforcement efforts throughout the month to address the growing issue of distracted driving.
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Distracted driving crashes claimed 58 lives in Illinois in 2023.
"Any loss of life is extremely tragic," said Lt. Erik Ethell. "Ensuring our roadways are safe is a priority for us."
In 2024, Decatur Police's cell phone enforcement stops increased by 29% from 2023, an increase of 137% from 2021. Traffic Crash data at the department goes back 18 years, to 2007. In 2023, the department had the lowest number of traffic crashes on record going back to 2007 (excluding 2020 due to pandemic). Last year in 2024, traffic crashes went down again to an 18-year low with 2337 crashes.
In total, there has been a 28% decrease in traffic crashes from the 2007.
Illinois banned the use of electronic communication devices. The law allows only the use of hands-free devices with speaker phones or headsets and devices that feature voice-activated or one-digit dialing. If violated, the fine for a first offense is a maximum of $75, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense. Drivers with three or more moving violations within a 12-month period risk suspension of their driver's license.
Officers urge drivers to set their navigation before they begin their trip, keep their focus on the road, and make a commitment to distraction-free driving.
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