Between April 1-30, 2019, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office participated in Illinois’ Distracted Driving Enforcement campaign, bringing awareness to area residents and issuing 219 citations. Increased enforcement was part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“We all see it every time we venture out on our roadways, driver distraction is a persistent issue and often has life-altering consequence,” said Sheriff John Idleburg. “It’s simply unacceptable to be texting, video chatting, or being distracted by electronics while operating a vehicle.”  

During the month-long campaign, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued:

•    115 electronic communication device citations

•    6 seat belt citations

•    3 DUI arrests

•    4 suspended/revoked licenses

•    12 uninsured motorists

•    47 speeding citations

•    10 Scott’s Law violations

•    219 total citations

These numbers only indicate citations issued during special enforcement details and not regular patrol hours.

Sheriff Idleburg added, “Distracted Driving Awareness Month may be over, but the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will continue stopping drivers and issuing citations for this deadly behavior.”

The Distracted Driving enforcement campaign is supported through federal funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.