'Drop It And Drive': Joliet Police Take On Texting And Driving

JOLIET, IL — Distracted driving caused over 26,000 deaths between 2012 and 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That's why Joliet police this month will target and ticket drivers seen using their phones behind the wheel.

Because April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Joliet police department will join more than 200 other law enforcement agencies across the state in cracking down on texting and driving.

The message is simple, the department said in a news release: “Phone in One Hand. Ticket in the Other.”

“It has become all too common to see people driving down the road while looking at their phones,” Joliet Police Chief Dawn Malec said in a statement. “People know texting and driving is both dangerous and illegal, but they do it anyway, putting themselves and others at risk. During April, you will see increased law enforcement efforts as officers stop and ticket anyone who violates distracted driving and other Illinois motor vehicle laws.”

The campaign is funded by federal traffic safety dollars and administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.