Buffalo Grove police targeting distracted drivers in new campaign

Buffalo Grove police plan to be out in force from April 22 to April 28 looking for distracted drivers as part of the "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." campaign, a high-visibility effort to enforce distracted-driving laws.

"Everyone knows texting and driving is illegal and dangerous, and everyone knows they should not be doing it - but we see it happen all the time," Sgt. Michelle Kondrat of the department's traffic unit said in an announcement of the campaign. "Beginning April 22, motorists will see stepped-up law enforcement efforts. Officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. If you text and drive, you will pay."

Buffalo Grove is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, and other state and local municipalities to make sure all motorists keep their eyes on the road, and their hands on the wheel.

Individuals who receive a citation will pay between $50 and $120, excluding courts costs.

According to NHTSA, 3,477 people were killed, and an estimated 391,000 injured, in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015. That's a 9 percent increase in fatalities compared to 2014.