Buffalo Grove Police Step Up Efforts Targeting Distracted Drivers

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Buffalo Grove Police Department is ramping up its enforcement efforts. Through the end of the month, motorists can expect increased patrols looking for texting and driving, as well as other traffic violations.

"Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today," Commander Tara Anderson said. "During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone we see texting and driving. We are doing this to change behavior and save lives."

According to police, between 2012 and 2021, approximately 32,000 lives were lost in crashes involving distracted drivers. The research says while distracted driving crashes are seen at all age levels, people between the ages of 16 and 24 are especially at risk.

Buffalo Grove police are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies in the effort.

Police advise drivers needing to text to pull over to a safe location, or if you have a passenger, appoint a "designated texter."

The distracted driving campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.