Latest news with #MattoonPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mattoon Police Dept. issues 105 distracted driving citations during April enforcement
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — April was Distracted Driving Awareness Month and on Wednesday, the Mattoon Police Department announced the results of its enforcement campaign for that month. In a news release on Facebook, department officials said 105 citations were issued to people who violated hands-free laws. In addition, officers issued 12 citations for other offenses, 16 for speeding and made three arrests — one for a suspended or revoked license and two for unspecified felonies. Third person arrested for illegal gun possession in Danville over weekend 'Driver distraction is a persistent issue in Mattoon that often has life-altering consequences,' Captain Brandon Saunders said. 'Issuing a citation is a proven way to get motorists to pay attention or pay the price. Distracted Driving Awareness Month may be over, but we will continue our efforts to stop motorists from engaging in this deadly behavior.' The Mattoon Police Department joined forces during this enforcement effort with the Illinois State Police, other local law enforcement and highway safety partners. It was funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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. 7 Mattoon businesses fail tobacco sale compliance check '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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
IL police boost patrols to reduce distracted driving
MATTOON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, April, Illinois law enforcement agencies will increase patrols looking for texting and driving as well as other traffic violations. In a press release, the Mattoon Police Department said its department, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and 200 local law enforcement agencies will partner together to step up enforcement efforts to stop distracted driving across the state. Study: Safety systems induce distracted driving '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 agencies will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone we see texting and driving.' The Mattoon Police Department said approximately 32,000 lives were lost in crashes involving distracted drivers, between 2012 and 2021. Even though everyone has the potential to be involved in a distracted driving crash, the department said those between the ages of 16 and 24 are especially at risk. In Illinois, using your phone in anything other than a hands-free mode is dangerous, but also illegal. That is why the department says if you need to text, pull over to a safe location or if you have a passenger, consider making them a designated texter. Is this how to stop people from texting while driving? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Multiple arrested, cited by Mattoon PD during St. Patrick's Day enforcement
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — The Mattoon Police Department is releasing the results of their St. Patrick's Day DUI enforcement. The department said they made two DUI arrests and issued one seat belt citation during the holiday. They also issued five speeding tickets, 29 other citations and removed fentanyl and methamphetamine from the streets. There were three felony arrests, and two people were arrested for driving without a license. Coles Wind makes their case for a county wind farm 'We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason — to save lives,' said Captain Brandon Saunders. The Mattoon Police Department teamed up with the Illinois State Police, other local law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners for the St. Patrick's Day enforcement campaign. It was paid for by federal highway safety funds, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
