May 10, 2024
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ISP will conduct special patrols Saturday through Monday

Patrols include occupant restraint enforcement and distracted driving

By Denise M. Baran-Unland
Texting while driving is against the law in Illinois, as is the distracted driving behavior of talking on a cell phone in school or construction zones. While much of the focus of safety campaigns in on young drivers, local law enforcement professionals say drivers of all ages can be seen texting while driving on area roads.

Texting while driving is against the law in Illinois, as is the distracted driving behavior of talking on a cell phone in school or construction zones. While much of the focus of safety campaigns in on young drivers, local law enforcement professionals say drivers of all ages can be seen texting while driving on area roads. (Photo Illustration)

Illinois State Police District 15 will conduct occupant restraint enforcement patrols and distracted driving patrols between Saturday and Monday on 1-355 in Will County, a news release from the ISP said.

ISP will have “zero-tolerance” towards anyone who is unrestrained during these patrols. Illinois law states anyone riding in a motor vehicle must be properly restrained at all times.

Children under age 8 must secured in a child-restraint system at all times. Children under the age of 2 must be secured in a rear-facing, properly secured child restraint system, the ISP said.

The exception is if the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches long. In that case, the child may be secured in the rear seat of a vehicle with a seat belt, the ISP said.

The ISP said it will also be watching for drivers who are:

• Reading, sending or receiving text messages and browsing the internet.

• Using handheld electronic communication devices.

• Using any cellphone, even hands-free, if they are under age 19, or in school speed zones and work zones or are driving a school bus.

The ISP said it’s illegal to use a cellphone or take photos or videos on wireless devices when driving within 500 feet of an emergency scene.