Police Conduct Active Searches for Illinois Distracted Drivers

 Posted on April 01, 2016 in Traffic Offenses

A significant number ofpeople in Illinois drive while distracted—a action which can leaddrivers tobe issued a traffic citation. Often, a ticket for distracted driving accompanies some other traffic violation, such as following too closely or speeding and causing an accident.

Even if a distracted driver involved in an accident does not admit that he or she was texting while driving when the accident occurred, law enforcement will typically check a driver’s cellphone records around the time of the accident to determine if the driver was interacting with his or her phone at the time of the accident.

Many drivers underestimate how seriously Illinois law enforcement takes the issue of distracted driving. However, do not doubt for one second that police are not looking for signs of distracted driving on the road. Texting while driving is illegal under 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2. If you receive a citation for distracted driving, you should contact an experienced traffic violation lawyer immediately.

Examples of Law Enforcement’s Efforts to Catch Distracted Drivers

Police do not specifically sitvia roadside and watchfor drivers to pass by who aresuspiciously looking down at their phone in their laps. Indeed, law enforcement istaking a more careful and inconspicuous approach.

Law enforcement hasbeen known to work in teams, where one officer is stationed up the road from other officers, equipped with no police vehicle to give away his or her position. This officer will observe oncoming drivers for signs that the drivers are driving while distracted. If a suspect is identified, the officer will then radio ahead to his or her team, provide the description of the suspect’s vehicle, and report on what the officer believes the driver was doing while behind the wheel. One of the officers in the team will identifythe suspect vehicle and make a stop.

Another approach used by Illinois law enforcement to identify distracted drivers is to staff a van with officers equipped with cameras, and to deploy this vehicle in traffic, according to a recent article published by SaukValley.com. The officers who are passengers in the van will track drivers that are around the van in traffic for any sign of distracted driving. When a suspected distracted driver is identified by the officers in the van, the officers contact another police unit up ahead on the road and relay the important identifying information concerning the suspect vehicle.

An officer in one of the other units makes the traffic stop of the suspected distracted driver.

Let Us Fight for Your Rights

Many drivers get tickets for driving while distracted. Maybe you were expecting an important call, or your kids or a pet was behaving badly in the back seat and distracted you. Whatever the case may be, you need a criminal defense lawyer to help you fight your traffic citation. Please do not hesitate to contact a skilled Rolling Meadows traffic offenses lawyer immediately. We are eager to assist you throughout each step of the case.

Sources:

http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K12-610.2

http://www.saukvalley.com/29/you-might-be-distracted-but-deputies-wont-be/a8jnm4v/