Lake County Gazette

The Buffalo Grove Police Department has announced a partnership with the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and over 200 local law enforcement agencies. The collaboration aims to increase enforcement during Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April.

"Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today," stated Commander Tara Anderson, as per a Buffalo Grove PD press release. "During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone we see texting and driving. We are doing this to change behavior and save lives."

The Buffalo Grove PD press release also revealed that approximately 32,000 lives were lost between 2012 and 2021 in crashes involving distracted drivers. Those aged between 16 and 24 are particularly at risk. The department suggests that motorists should pull over to a safe location or have a "designated texter" in the car if they need to send a text message.

According to another Buffalo Grove PD press release, using a phone in any way other than hands-free mode is not only dangerous but also illegal in Illinois.

The state's distracted driving campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, as stated in a Buffalo Grove PD press release.