CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — As warmer weather is right around the corner; the Champaign Police Department wants to remind people of safe driving habits. 

They’re not alone in their efforts either, as more than 200 local law enforcement agencies are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police to combat distracted driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

In Illinois, using a phone in anything other than hands-free mode while behind the wheel is illegal. Beyond just phone usage, navigation, eating, applying makeup and even other cars can get in the way of safe driving.

IDOT said 58 people died due to distracted driving crashes in 2023.

“When we’re talking about vehicles, we’re talking about one-ton, large objects that are moving around,” said Greg Manzana, Champaign Police deputy of operations. “At any point, you take your eyes off the wheel, who knows what’s going to be in front of you. The same focus when we’re first teaching people how to drive [is] we want to make sure we’re maintaining that throughout our entire driving lives.”

Champaign Police said people on the road can expect increased patrols looking for distracted drivers throughout the month. Those found to be distracted behind the wheel can be issued citations and written warnings. They also said they will be focused on roads in areas that impact neighborhoods.