Distracted driving remains a deadly issue across the country. Law enforcement agencies in Champaign County are stepping up enforcement of Illinois distracted driving laws during April.
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In 2024, more than 3,200 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Law enforcement agencies around the country will be on the look out for drivers using their phones while operating a motor vehicle.
CHAMPAIGN - Put the phone down. At least while you are behind the wheel on Illinois roads. Even a glance down at the phone, looking at that text from your BFF, could not only be the difference between life and death, but it could result in years of higher insurance premiums.
That is the message from local law enforcement as agencies across Champaign County ramp up enforcement of Illinois’ distracted driving laws throughout April.
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and other local agencies during Distracted Driving Awareness Month to increase patrols and crack down on drivers using their phones. Deputies will be watching for texting, scrolling social media, watching videos and other distractions behind the wheel.
“Distracted driving puts everyone at risk, and even a quick glance at a phone can have devastating consequences,” Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said. “During April, deputies will be looking for distracted driving violations and issuing citations for observed violations. At a time where costs are rising everywhere, there is a simple way to save some of your hard-earned money — put the phone down while driving.”
Under Illinois law, drivers are not allowed to manually use electronic communication devices while driving. That includes holding a phone to talk without a hands-free device, sending or reading text messages, checking email, scrolling social media or watching videos. The rule also applies when a vehicle is stopped at a red light.
Fines start at $75 and can climb higher if the violation happens in a school zone or leads to a crash.
“In Illinois, manually using an electronic communication device while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. Put the phone away or pay,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
Distracted driving continues to be a serious issue nationwide. In 2024, 3,208 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers, according to federal traffic safety data.
Officials say drivers can reduce risk by pulling over to send messages, letting a passenger handle calls or texts, or simply putting the phone out of reach until they arrive.
The enforcement effort is funded through federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
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