During a recent meeting, Officer Hakeem Smith of the Barrington Police Department emphasized the critical importance of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April. He highlighted the alarming statistic that distracted driving claims over 3,000 lives each year, affecting families and communities across the nation, including Barrington.

Officer Smith illustrated the dangers of distracted driving by comparing the act of looking at a phone for just one second while driving at 55 miles per hour to driving blindfolded across a football field. He urged residents to recognize that distractions—whether from texting, eating, or even daydreaming—can lead to tragic consequences on the road.

In response to the growing concern over distracted driving, the Barrington Police Department plans to increase patrols in high-risk areas, including school zones, main streets, and busy intersections. Officer Smith noted that fines for distracted driving start at $164, but he stressed that the true costs are far greater, encompassing guilt, trauma, and loss.

He called on parents and mentors to set a positive example for younger drivers, as teens are four times more likely to text and drive if they see adults doing it. Officer Smith's message was clear: to make Barrington a safer place, every driver must remain fully present behind the wheel. He encouraged residents to put their phones away, speak up if they notice distractions while driving, and report any dangerous driving behaviors they observe.

As the community observes National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Barrington Police Department is committed to fostering safer driving habits and reducing the risks associated with distractions on the road.