Month-Long Distracted Driving Campaign Starts In Oswego: PD

OSWEGO, IL — Oswego police are hosting a month-long campaign in April in light of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

The Oswego Police Department is teaming up with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 other local law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement efforts as part of the campaign paid for by federal safety funds administered by IDOT, officials announced Wednesday.

Officials said distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car crashes, so officers will boost efforts and stop anyone who is texting and driving. About 32,000 lives were lost to crashes involving distracted drivers between 2012 and 2021, according to police, who said those between the ages of 16 and 24 are especially at risk.

Law enforcement officers urged drivers who need to text to pull over to a safe location or consider designating a texter if they have passengers in the car.

"Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today," Sergeant Brian Nehring said in a statement. "During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone we see texting and driving. We do this to save lives."