NPD increasing enforcement for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Posted on April 1, 2019

NPD — *The Normal Police Department is joining the effort to enforce distracted driving throughout April. (WJBC file photo)*

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Normal Police Department is partnering with other local and state agencies to enforce the hands-free law.

Motorists will see increased patrols and enforcement zones to write tickets for drivers who text or use cellphones while driving.

Distracted driving has been one of the leading causes of accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 3,166 people died in car crashes involving distracted drivers in 2017.

“Every day, you can look out your car window and see a driver using their cellphone, said NPD Assistant Chief Steve Petrilli in a statement. “People know texting and driving is dangerous and illegal,but they do it anyway, and it puts others at risk.”

Tips to avoid using cellphones while driving are to use a passenger as the “designated texter,” put phones in the glove box or backseat to avoid temptation, and pull over if expecting a text or phone call.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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