Aurora police on Friday will hold a special operation to crack down on people illegally using their phones while driving.
The operation is also aimed at making sure people are wearing seat belts, police said.
While not divulging the time or location of the detail, police said the operation will be sizable and will be spearheaded by the community policing unit with assistance from other Aurora police divisions and the Kane County sheriff’s office. The objective is to increase awareness, promote safety and reduce traffic crashes, police said.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 549 people who died in traffic crashes from 2009 to 2013 were not wearing seat belts. Studies have also shown motorists are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash when texting, police said.
During the operation, officers will only be stopping motorists and passengers who are not buckled up or drivers who are illegally talking or texting on a cellphone. Motorists who are stopped will also be checked for outstanding warrants and driver’s license status, police said.
