Troopers climbing into big rigs to crack down on distracted driving

Posted on September 15, 2018
Illinois State Police car
Illinois State Police Wednesday announced their “Trooper in a Truck” program, which has already netted numerous citations. (courtesy Facebook)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – On the highway, it’s a good bet the police have seen you before you see them. And when they’re riding shotgun in an eighteen-wheeler, you probably won’t see them at all.

Illinois State Police Wednesday announced their “Trooper in a Truck” program, which has already netted numerous citations.

“You can see more stuff from inside a semi than you can see in a car,” said MSgt. Todd Armstrong at a news conference at a weigh station along I-55 in Sangamon County. “Semi to semi, you can see truck drivers texting in their lap. You are able to see truck drivers
talking on their phone or texting that you can’t see in a car. You can also see (people in) passenger cars texting between their legs to try to not bring attention to them. When you are inside of a semi, you can see straight down in and see them texting.”

The State Police are running the program in cooperation with the Illinois Trucking Association.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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