Take the 3-D challenge against distracted driving
The suburban-based Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the "One Text or Call Could Wreck It All" campaign against distracted driving.
According to AAIM, an estimated 424,000 people in 2013 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver, and 3,154 people were killed in 2013 in crashes involving a distracted driver.
To get an idea of how many lives a year are claimed by distracted driving, consider that 2,753 people were killed at the World Trade Center site in the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and 2,977 people were killed in the attacks as a whole.
The Daily Herald observed 10 major suburban intersections from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. last fall and found that more than 1,000 people were breaking the hands-free cellphone law while driving.
And a committee in the Illinois General Assembly is considering a bill that would make it felony punishable by up to seven years in prison if a person using an electronic communications device causes a fatal crash. The current penalty is anywhere from probation to three years in prison.
"We know that talking on our cellphones while driving is distracting, but that doesn't stop most people from doing it." said Rita Kreslin, executive director of the Schaumburg-based AAIM. "This effort is intended to educate our community about the dangers of cellphone use and other distractions while driving. We hope that once people see the statistics and realize the danger involved, they will change their driving habits to help protect themselves, their families and others on the road."
AAIM wants drivers to take the 3-D pledge: "I pledge not to drive Dangerously: I pledge not to text and Drive; and I Decide not to drink and drive."
Kreslin said parents should set an example for their children.
"Every driver has a role in this effort," she said. "We especially want to reach out to parents with teen drivers because we know that statistically, the under-20 age group has the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes."
For information, visit distraction.gov.
Mental health matters
Judith Brawka, the chief judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit, which serves Kane County, will be the keynote speaker May 21 for the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County's annual meeting.
Brawka will discuss "The Criminalization of Mental Health" at the meeting, held at the Eagle Brook Country Club, 2288 Fargo Blvd., Geneva.
The cost for dinner and dessert is $40; $10 for just dessert and listening to Brawka.
The group also is holding a Mental Health Forum at 7 p.m. April 28, at the St. Charles Library to hear from officials from the Elgin-based Ecker Center For Mental Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and other groups.
For more information about the St. Charles-based league, visit lwvckc.org.
hhitzeman@dailyherald.com