SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) — The Illinois Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies, is increasing efforts this April to reduce distracted driving across the state.

During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, officers will be watching for texting, social media use, video viewing, and other forms of distracted driving. Illinois law prohibits manually using electronic devices while driving, though even hands-free use can divert attention from the road.

“Too many drivers think they can glance at a text or scroll for a second and still drive safely,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “They cannot. Distracted driving takes eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and attention away from what matters most.”

Statistics from IDOT show that between 2020 and 2024, distracted driving contributed to 253 deaths and more than 28,000 injuries in Illinois. In 2024 alone, 51 people were killed in crashes involving at least one distracted driver.

Col. Chris Owen of the Illinois State Police emphasized the human cost: “No text is more important than your life. Don’t drive distracted.”

Drivers are encouraged to silence notifications, set phones to “Do Not Disturb,” or have passengers handle calls and messages. If necessary, they should pull over to a safe location before using a device.

The enforcement campaign is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s distracted-driving prevention efforts and coincides with IDOT’s multimedia initiative, “It’s Not a Game,” funded through federal grants to help keep Illinois roads safe.

For more information, residents can contact IDOT or the Illinois State Police Public Information Office.