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MACOMB, ILL. -- The following is a press release from the Illinois State Police:

Illinois State Police (ISP) District 14 Commander, Captain  Robert L. Elliott announced a summary of June 2010 enforcement activity.

During the month of June, ISP District 14 Troopers handled 1145 incidents. These incidents included 126 requests for service: 91 reported by telephone, 33 from other public safety agencies, one walk in request for service, and one request for service from other sources.  The remaining 1019 incidents were initiated in the field by Troopers on patrol.

During June, Troopers issued 165 citations and 285 warnings for speeding, made 16 arrests for DUI, 10 arrests for other alcohol related offenses, issued 149 safety belt citations, and 10 child passenger restraint citations.

All other violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code, observed by ISP District 14 Troopers, resulted in 464 citations and 1176 warnings being issued. ISP District 14 Troopers also made 39 criminal arrests, investigated 30 traffic crashes, and assisted 90 motorists. There was zero traffic crash fatalities reported in ISP District 14 for the month of June.

Second division vehicle safety (trucks) continues to remain a priority for Troopers. During June, 213 second division vehicles were inspected resulting in 11 citations being issued for overweight violations, and 78 vehicles being placed out of service.

The use of a cell phone while driving increases your chance of getting in a crash by 400%. In Illinois, driving while using a hand held cell phone in a school zone or a construction zone is a violation and the driver June be ticketed.  Driving on any roadway in Illinois while composing, reading, or sending text messages is also a violation and the driver June be ticketed.  Nationally, nearly 6000 people died and more than half a million were injured during 2008 as a result of distracted driving.  “Just put down the phone while you are driving and it will be easier to Focus on the Drive and Stay Alive,” said ISP District 14 Safety Education Officer, Trooper Ed Howard.