Galena, IL (April 2026) – The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Police, and over 200 local law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement during April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Chief Deputy Kirk Raab emphasized the campaign’s message: “Put the phone away or pay.”

“Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 58 lives in Illinois in 2023,” Raab said. “We need everyone’s support to make our roads safer by staying focused behind the wheel. We’re supporting IDOT’s efforts to educate drivers on putting phones away, setting navigation before trips, and driving distraction-free.”

Raab noted that handheld phone use while driving has become far too common, even though it is both dangerous and illegal. “During April, officers will increase enforcement and ticket anyone violating distracted driving or other motor vehicle laws,” he added.

Illinois Distracted Driving Law

In Illinois, using a phone in anything other than hands-free mode is illegal. This includes texting, browsing, or holding the device while driving—even when stopped. Exceptions are limited to genuine emergencies. Drivers under 19 face a stricter ban on all cellphone use.

Violators can expect fines and possible points on their license. The campaign slogan is clear: Put the phone away or pay.

The statewide effort is funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.

The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, guided by the motto “Honor, Duty and Integrity,” is located at 330 N. Bench Street, Galena, IL 61036. For more information, contact Chief Deputy Kirk Raab at 815-777-2141 or kraab@jodaviesscountyil.gov.

Motorists are urged to drive distraction-free this April and year-round by silencing notifications, planning routes in advance, and keeping their focus on the road.

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