The Monmouth Police Department and Illinois State Police have kicked off their Hands Free While Driving Campaign in order to crack down on distracted driving.
Distracted driving is defined as anyone texting or talking on their phone while driving. Monmouth Police Department are “specifically looking for texting,” according to Monmouth Police Chief Joe Switzer.
Anyone found talking or texting on their phone will receive a ticket and a $150 fine.
Chief Switzer told us the main purpose of the campaign.
“It’s about safety. It’s about the kids walking down the street. It’s about the driver that’s not paying attention who might pull out in front of you. It’s all about safety.”
3,100 people were killed last year due to distracted driving, and nearly 20,000 were killed from 2012-2017.
