Barrington police urge drivers to avoid distractions during April awareness month

Officer Hakeem Smith of the Barrington Police Department issued a public service announcement reminding Barrington drivers that April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and urging them to avoid distractions on the road.

Smith said distracted driving ‘‘claims over 3000 lives every year’’ and warned that momentary distractions carry large risks. ‘‘Did you know that looking at your phone for just 1 second while driving 55 miles an hour is like driving blindfolded across a football field?’’ he said.

The announcement explained common distractions—texting, scrolling, eating, attending to children and pets or daydreaming—and advised drivers to ‘‘pull over safely and take care of it off the road.’’ Smith said the Barrington Police Department is increasing patrols in ‘‘high risk areas such as school zones, main streets, and busy intersections.’’ He added that fines for distracted driving ‘‘start at $164,’’ and emphasized the nonfinancial costs, saying ‘‘the real cost [is] guilt, trauma, and tragedy.’’

Smith also addressed parents and mentors, urging them to set an example because ‘‘teens are 4 times more likely to text and drive if they see you do it.’’ He encouraged passengers to speak up and to report dangerous driving to the department.

The announcement was delivered as a brief public-safety message and did not include any formal policy action or vote. It reiterated existing enforcement priorities and public-education guidance for drivers in Barrington.