27-03-2025
Mattoon Police Department increasing distracted driving enforcement efforts
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — The Mattoon Police Department is teaming up with more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement efforts for Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
These Illinois police departments are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police throughout April. Drivers should expect an increase in patrols aimed at looking for texting and driving as well as other traffic violations.
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'Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today,' said Captain Brandon Saunders. 'During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone we see texting and driving. We do this to save lives.'
Approximately 32,000 lives were lost in crashes involving distracted drivers between 2012 and 2021. According to Mattoon Police, those between the ages of 16 and 24 are especially at risk.
They are also urging anyone who needs to send a text message to pull over to a safe location, or if they have a passenger, they should consider appointing them as a 'designated texter.' Mattoon Police said there is never a good enough excuse to text while driving.
Throughout the state, using a phone in anything other than hands-free mode is both dangerous and illegal. This Illinois distracted driving campaign is being funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.
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