SR0208 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0208 LRB101 11451 MST 57131 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Distracted driving occurs when motorists engage in activities that divert their attention from driving safely; these can include texting, talking on a cell phone, adjusting the radio, and interacting with passengers; and

WHEREAS, Safe driving and public awareness of the dangers associated with distracted driving will result in fewer traffic crashes, fewer injuries, and fewer fatalities; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, distracted driving was a factor in motor vehicle crashes that killed 3,459 people nationally; and

WHEREAS, Educating and informing the public about distracted driving, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with driving while distracted, ensuring younger drivers understand the consequences of driving distracted, and obeying established distracted driving traffic laws will reduce the number of fatalities and injuries; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) and their partner the American Automobile Association (AAA), supported by the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois High School & College Driver Education Association (IHSCDEA), local law enforcement agencies, and the State's first responders, are committed to educating Illinois residents on all aspects of distracted driving, to enforcing applicable State laws and to supporting Illinois Distracted Driving Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, The ILACP and the AAA continue to develop partnerships designed to create and enhance a strong, supportive traffic safety culture throughout Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the fourth week of April 2019 as "Illinois Distracted Driving Awareness Week" in remembrance of John M. Sligting; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the American Automobile Association, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois High School & College Driver Education Association.