Don't Text And Drive: Oak Lawn Police Focus On Distracted Driving

OAK LAWN, IL — If you’re reading this while driving, put the phone away or pay. Oak Lawn police will be paying special attention to traffic for signs of distracted driving on village streets throughout the month of April.

OLPD is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and 200 police departments across the state to step up enforcement efforts in recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our 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.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety, more than 3,000 Americans die each year from distracted drivers. Unofficially, that number could be closer to 20,000. Further, a pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes somewhere in the United States due to distracted driving. In Illinois, 58 lives were lost in 2023 due to distracted driving.

Most drivers feel they can safely take their eyes off the road for 0-2 seconds, but a car can travel the length of a football field in five seconds at 55 MPH. To educate road users about the importance of remaining safe and focused behind the wheel, Oak Lawn police will be watching for signs of distracted driving, including weaving, lingering at traffic signals after the light changes, applying makeup in the rearview mirror or looking for your phone after you drop it.

“People know texting and driving is both dangerous and illegal, but they do it anyway, putting themselves and others at risk. During April, you will see increased law enforcement efforts as officers stop and ticket anyone who violates distracted driving and other Illinois motor vehicle laws.”

In Illinois, using your phone in anything other than hands-free mode 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 IDOT.