Palos Heights And Palos Park Cops Focus On Distracted Driving In April

PALOS HEIGHTS-PALOS PARK, IL — Throughout the month of April, Palos Heights and Palos Park police will participate in the “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign in recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Motorists can expect increased patrols looking for texting and driving as well as other traffic violations.

Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on U.S. roads. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.

“Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today,” said Chief William Czajkowski, of the Palos Heights Police Department. “During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone we see texting and driving. We do this to save lives.”

Between 2012 and 2021, approximately 32,000 lives were lost in crashes involving distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Everyone has the potential for distracted driving crashes, but those between the ages of 16 and 24 are especially at risk. If you need to text, pull over to a safe location, or if you have a passenger, consider appointing a “designated texter.” Whatever the solution, don’t text and drive.

Chief Joe Miller, of the Palos Park Police Department, said many drivers feel they can safely take their eyes off the road for a few seconds, unaware that it takes only 4 seconds moving at 55 mph for a vehicle to travel the length of a football field.

“Even very experienced drivers, well versed in texting and technology, are just as likely to be involved in a crash as somebody who is not familiar with texting, trying to text and drive,” Miller said. “For every mile you drive, you make at least 200 decisions that you’re subconsciously doing in your head. When you bring texting into the mix, it just creates another undue distraction. The best way to not drive distracted is to simply not get distracted while driving if possible.”

In Illinois, using your phone in anything other than hands-free mode is not only dangerous, but also illegal.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and eliminate preventable deaths and injuries on our roadways.

Over 200 police departments in Illinois are participating in the state campaign to reduce distraction, which is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.