Distracted driving targeted in Champaign County for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Drivers in Champaign County can expect increased distracted driving enforcement next month.

In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Champaign County Sheriff's Office is teaming up with several agencies across Illinois to step up distracted driving enforcement efforts in April.

The sheriff's office said drivers can expect increased patrols looking for texting, social media use, video viewing and other distracted driving violations.

"Distracted driving puts everyone at risk, and even a quick glance at a phone can have devastating consequences," said Sheriff Dustin Heuerman. "During April, deputies will be looking for distracted driving violations and issuing citations for observed violations. At a time where costs are rising everywhere, there is a simple way to save some of your hard-earned money – put the phone down while driving."

Fines for distracted driving violations start at $75 and include:

Driving while talking on your phone without using a hands-free device
Sending or reading a text message on your phone while driving
Writing or reading an e-mail while driving
Checking social media while driving
Watching a video or participating in a teleconference while driving

Fines increase if violations happen in a school zone or cause a traffic crash. The sheriff's office said it is even a violation if you are stopped at a red light.