Orland Police Step Up Patrols For Distracted Driving

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park police are stepping up patrols for distracted driving the first week of April, officials said Monday.

The department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation in the high-visibility enforcement effort April 1–8.

Police nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws and remind drivers to "Put the Phone Away or Pay." The effort comes during April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

"Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction can be attributed to cell phone use," said Orland Park Police Chief Eric Rossi. "People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and put themselves and others at risk. Drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. For everyone’s safety, please don’t text and drive."

According to NHTSA, in 2021 there were 3,522 people killed and an estimated additional 362,415 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.

Motorists can expect to see increased patrols and enforcement zones during the entire month of April. The Orland Park Police Department will ticket drivers who text or use their cell phones while driving.

The distracted driving campaign is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal traffic safety funds.