Police 'Out in Force' Thursday to Stop Distracted Drivers

The following is from the Evanston Police Department:

The Evanston Police Department as a part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month will be conducting an enforcement initiative this Thursday, April 24th, 2014 from 8:00AM until 6:00PM throughout the City.  Police officers from the traffic bureau will be focused on issuing citations to drivers not abiding by the Evanston City Ordinance [10-3-13(B)] for hands free driving and the Illinois State Law [625 ILCS 5/12-610.2] that went into effect on January 1, 2014 banning the use of a hand held electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

Although enforcement by police for traffic related offenses is not the most popular when it comes to compliance, it is proven to be the most effective.  Last week, a bulletin was issued by the City alerting the public of the issues, dangers and the law that surround the use of driving while communicating on a handheld cell phone. The police department hopes that the public has gained knowledge from this and refrains from handheld cell phone usage while operating a motor vehicle.

Please be aware that officers will be out in force to address this issue Thursday, April 24th. Complying with this law from the moment a driver enters a vehicle is the best and safest approach to addressing the problem of distracted driving.

Questions regarding this enforcement initiative can be made to the traffic bureau of the Evanston Police Department at (847)866-5064.