Better Drop It, Because Illinois State Police is Watching You

Law enforcement from around the state of Illinois will be teaming up to make sure you keep your eyes on the road, especially during the next month.

Illinois Law Enforcement will Target Distracted Driving

According to a press release from the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department, law enforcement agencies from across that region have laid out a targeted plan by the IL Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and the Sheriff's office to "urge motorists to drop it and drive."

More than 200 law enforcement agencies from across the state have given their input on this campaign to have drivers put down their phones, or communicate via a hands-free device while behind the wheel.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today. During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone who is texting and driving. Remember, if you have a phone in one hand, you can expect a ticket in the other. -Gary Caruana, Winnebago County Sheriff

Don't even risk it because law enforcement will be out in full force through April looking for drivers using their phones or doing anything but being in hands-free mode.

It's illegal in Illinois to use your mobile device in anything but hands-free mode while you're driving, according to the press release.

Funding for the increased law enforcement patrol during this initiative is from federal traffic safety funds that are handled by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Here are 7 things that American Family Insurance says you can do to keep from being distracted while you drive:

1. Reserve your phone for emergency use.

2. Limit the number of passengers in your car.

3. Practice defensive driving.

4. Avoid eating when driving.

5. Don't check social media when driving.

6. Limit the level of activity in the cab.

7. Pull off the road if you're sleepy.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month is about putting the phone down when you're behind the wheel, so "Drop it and Drive!"