As experienced personal injury attorneys in Rockford, IL, at Mahoney & Mahoney, we've witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences of distracted driving on our local roads. In an era where smartphones keep us constantly connected, the temptation to check a text or email while behind the wheel can lead to life-altering accidents. Distracted driving, especially texting while driving, remains one of the leading causes of car crashes in Illinois and across the nation. In this blog post, we'll explore the serious dangers, backed by recent statistics, and highlight a startling fact: how far your vehicle can travel in just 3 seconds at 65 mph—the time it might take to glance at a notification. If you've been injured in a distracted driving accident in Rockford or Winnebago County, our team is here to help you seek justice and compensation.

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver's attention from the road, including visual, manual, or cognitive distractions. Texting while driving combines all three: it takes your eyes off the road (visual), your hands off the wheel (manual), and your mind off driving (cognitive). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting is one of the most alarming forms of distraction because even a brief glance can have deadly results.

In Rockford, IL, where highways like I-90 and busy streets see heavy traffic, a split-second distraction can turn into a multi-vehicle collision. Common distractions include eating, adjusting the radio, or using navigation apps, but cellphone use—particularly texting—stands out as the most dangerous. Drivers who text are up to 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash, as it impairs reaction times similar to driving under the influence.

The numbers paint a grim picture of the distracted driving epidemic. Nationally, the NHTSA reports that in 2023, over 3,300 people were killed and nearly 290,000 injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nine people are killed every day in the U.S. due to distracted driving, with over 3,000 deaths projected for 2024.

• 1.6 million crashes annually from cell phone use and texting
• 12% of fatal crashes involve phone use
• 122 fatalities in Illinois due to distracted driving
• "9,432 cellphone-related crashes in Illinois (22% increase)"

These figures underscore why texting while driving is not just risky—it's potentially fatal.

Imagine cruising down I-90 near Rockford at 65 mph, the posted speed limit on many Illinois highways. In just 3 seconds—the average time it might take to read a short text or notification—your vehicle travels an astonishing 286 feet. That's nearly the length of a football field (300 feet)!

To break it down:

• At 65 mph, a vehicle moves at approximately 95.3 feet per second.
• In 3 seconds: 95.3 ft/s × 3 = 286 feet.

Illinois has strict laws to combat distracted driving. As of 2025, the state enforces a complete ban on hand-held cellphone use while driving, including texting, emailing, or browsing the internet. Drivers must use hands-free devices, and violations are considered moving offenses, even if stopped at a light. New "no-touch" laws in 2025 further prohibit composing or reading messages on any electronic device.

If a distracted driver causes an accident in Rockford, they can face fines, license suspension, and criminal charges—especially if injuries or fatalities occur. As personal injury lawyers, Mahoney & Mahoney helps victims hold negligent drivers accountable, pursuing claims for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident caused by texting or other distractions in Rockford, IL, don't navigate the legal process alone. At Mahoney & Mahoney, our dedicated team specializes in personal injury cases, including those involving distracted driving. We investigate accidents thoroughly, often using cellphone records to prove negligence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Remember, Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so acting promptly is crucial.

The dangers of texting and distracted driving are clear: lives are at stake every time a driver looks away from the road. In just 3 seconds at 65 mph, your vehicle covers 286 feet—enough distance for disaster to strike. By putting down the phone and focusing on the road, we can reduce accidents in Rockford and make Illinois highways safer for everyone.

At Mahoney & Mahoney, we're committed to advocating for accident victims and promoting road safety. If you've been affected by a distracted driving incident, reach out to our Rockford personal injury attorneys today. Drive safe, Rockford—your life and others depend on it.