Distracted driving remains a problem

More than one year has passed since texting while driving was made illegal in Illinois. History reminds us that traffic safety laws take time and continued education to change driver behavior and habits. Current statistics are urging us to raise awareness of this important issue.

In the first half of 2010, cell phone distractions, including texting, were the primary or secondary cause of more than 500 vehicle crashes across Illinois. In 2009, cell phone distractions were the primary or secondary cause of nearly 1,300 vehicle crashes — an increase of more than 9 percent over 2008.

This problem isn’t going away. A recent online survey indicated that 40 percent of Illinois tollway customers did not know that it is illegal to text or e-mail at any time while driving on Illinois roads. Worse, there is little to suggest that this behavior is easy to change and that drivers are willing to stop texting and e-mailing.

Our new statewide campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of texting while driving and ultimately, reducing the number of cell phone-related accidents on Illinois roadways. “Drive Now. Text Later.” features a series of three professionals — a school bus driver, a pilot and a surgeon — and reminds drivers, “He should be focused . . . and so should you.” These images demonstrate the need to focus on the job at hand and that texting while performing other tasks can be dangerous and deadly — not just to yourself, but also to those around you. Visit www.illinoistollway.com to learn more about our campaign and how to avoid distracted driving. Drive Now. Text Later. You can’t do both.

Jesse White, Illinois secretary of state

Gary Hannig, IDOT secretary

Kristi Lafleur, Illinois Tollway executive director Jonathon Monken, acting Illinois State Police director

Brad Roeber, AAA Chicago regional president