Evanston Cops Issue 120 Tickets In Crackdown On Distracted Driving

EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) -- A one-day crackdown on motorists who violate the ban on using a cell phone while driving resulted in dozens of tickets being issued in Evanston on Thursday.

Police Commander Jay Parrott said officers issued 120 tickets between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to people who were texting, emailing, or talking on their cell phones while driving, without using a hands-free device.

Evanston chose to do a concerted cell phone ban mission because April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, according to Parrott.

He said officers in marked and unmarked police cars would spot people illegally using their cell phones while driving, and radio ahead to another officer who would issue a ticket.

Parrott said, not only is illegal cell phone use dangerous because it can result in accidents, but it affects traffic flow. He said, since so many people were caught breaking the law in such a short amount of time, it's likely there'll be a similar crackdown in the not-too-distant future.

"Obviously, we want to educate people. Sometimes writing a ticket is the best education so they don't do it. But, I think it sends a message that there's a lot work to be done", he said.