PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 1, 2021
For Information Contact:
Commander Jim Gandy, (630) 530-3050
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Elmhurst Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and numerous local law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Illinois to remind motorists to avoid using their phones while driving.
Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of crashes on our roads. Texting while driving distracts a driver visually, manually, and cognitively. Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off of the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving blind at 55 miles per hour for the length of an entire football field. Motorists can expect to see increased patrols and enforcement zones across Illinois throughout the month, and Elmhurst police will be citing drivers who are texting or using cellphones while on the road.
Follow these steps for a safe driving experience:
- If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
- Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Cellphone use can be habit-forming.
- Put your cellphone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat until you arrive at your destination.
The Distracted Driving enforcement campaign is supported by federal funds administered through IDOT.