New Enforcement Could Hit Rockford Drivers Who Do This Behind the Wheel

Next time you're at a stoplight, you might want to leave the phone where it is, because you never know who's watching.

Illinois' New Campaign Targets Phone Use Behind the Wheel

That's because a new statewide crackdown targeting distracted drivers is coming to Illinois, including Rockford. So if you've ever felt like checking that text while cruising through the Main and Auburn roundabout or hopping on TikTok while flying down Perryville, don't.

New Grant Means More Patrols, Especially in Rockford

A new $77,000 grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be used to increase patrols and enforce stricter regulations, while also introducing new requirements for teen drivers across the state, including Rockford. Before you start freaking out NBC 5 in Chicago says "teen drivers who are enrolled in driver's ed programs will be required to watch a video that details the consequences of distracted driving."

Rockford's High-Risk Roads Could See More Enforcement

Illinois' new "One Road, One Focus" campaign will be rolled out everywhere this spring and that means more traffic enforcement in areas that have been highlighted as crash-prone zones which could very well mean high accident spots like anywhere across East State Street, Riverside Boulevard and most of, if not all Rockford area high schools.

“Intexticated Driving” Is the New Drunk Driving, Officials Say

In a statement, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says, "Despite understanding the dangers, people still give in to the temptation to pick up their phone while driving. This 'intexticated driving' is the drunk driving of our time and is 100 percent preventable."

Your Turn: What's the Most Stressful Spot to Drive in Rockford?

What's that one intersection or stretch of road in Rockford that is a white-knuckle adventure? You know, the one where everyone is staring at their phone while going way faster than they should?