Lockport Police Increase Patrols For Distracted Driving Awareness

LOCKPORT, IL — April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Lockport Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and more than 100 local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to remind drivers to drop their phones or pay up, the department said.

According to the department, motorists will see increased patrols and enforcement zones across Illinois throughout the month. Lockport Police will be ticketing drivers who text or use their cellphones while driving.

“Every day, you can look out your car window and see a driver using their cellphone,” the department said. “People know texting and driving is dangerous and illegal, but they do it anyway, and it puts others at risk.”

Police offer some advice to avoid texting or going on your phone while driving:

• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
• Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to 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.
• Put your cellphone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat until you arrive at your destination.

The Distracted Driving enforcement campaign is supported through federal funds administered by IDOT.