Smartphones are one of life’s nice conveniences, but that technology can turn deadly when drivers are paying more attention to a text message or the latest happenings on social media instead of the road.

The Geneva Police Department is joining forces with nearly 300 state and local law enforcement agencies for Illinois’ second annual Distracted Driving Awareness Week April 23 to 27 to highlight the dangers and consequences associated with these actions. Distracted driving occurs when motorists divert their attention from the road to text, read emails, communicate on social media or talk on the phone without a hands-free device.

Distracted driving enforcement is always a top concern to Geneva Police, but officers will be putting an even greater emphasis on these violations next week throughout the City.

“No distraction – whether texting or talking on the phone – is ever worth the loss of life on the roadway,” Police Commander Julie Nash said. “These senseless deaths can be easily prevented if motorists simply choose to focus on the core task of driving when behind the wheel. We aim to do our part to help keep Geneva’s roads safer.”

In 2017, Geneva Police cited 65 people and issued 199 warnings for unlawful use of their phone or electronic device while driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research:

•    Each day, 10 people are killed in distracted driving crashes – contributing to the 37,000 people killed in accidents on U.S. roadways during 2016;

•    Drivers who text when behind the wheel or remove their eyes from the road for just two seconds double the risk of a crash; and

•    Hands-free devices are not necessarily distraction-free. Motorists who use in-vehicle technology, such as voice-based and touchscreen features, can be preoccupied for more than 40 seconds when completing tasks like programming navigation or sending a text message.  

SafetyServe.com is offering a short distracted driving online course, at no cost, during Distracted Driving Awareness Week to those who visit the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety website.

Please help the Geneva Police Department and our law enforcement partners keep our roadways safe for everyone.