Oak Lawn Police Crack Down On Distracted Driving In April

OAK LAWN, IL—In case you were distracted, April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Oak Lawn Police Department is joining hundreds of law enforcement across Illinois in the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay,” campaign to reduce phone use while driving.

Oak Lawn police will be paying extra attention to drivers who exhibit distracted driving behaviors, like remaining at the traffic light when it turns green but you’re still texting an amusing monkey video to a friend. Other signs of distracted driving: applying makeup, eating, fiddling with your car stereo, watching videos, or chatting on your handheld.

Throughout the month of April, motorists can expect increased patrols on Oak Lawn streets and roadways watching for distracted driving violations.

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“Distracted driving puts everyone at risk, and even a quick glance at a phone can have devastating consequences,” said Lt. Nick Kumke, of the Oak Lawn Police Department. “During April, officers will be looking for distracted driving violations and reminding motorists to put the phone away and focus on the road.”

If you need to send a message, check directions or return a call, pull over and park safely first. Whatever the solution, do not drive distracted.

In Illinois, manually using an electronic communication device while driving is not only dangerous but also illegal. Put the phone away or pay.

The Illinois distracted driving campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.