Texting on your phone while behind the wheel is a dangerous habit, and a growing trend for one age group.
"The teens especially. They have that feeling of invisibility when they get their driver's license. It's a big step for people," said Deputy Chief Meyers.
It's a big step that comes with major responsibilities. Research shows texting while driving is four times more dangerous than drunk driving.
"If you get behind somemone that's distracted driving, texting, or whatever it may be... It looks like they're driving drunk. They have the same characteristics. They're weaving back and forth," said Deputy Chief Meyers.
And in a recent survey by State Farm, 57% of teens admitted to texting while driving. Even though they know texting could lead to an accident.
Meyers says those numbers are unacceptable. "Your attention is anywhere, but where it needs to be. Your focused on the conversation that you're having on the phone... " Deputy Chief Meyers said.
A spokesperson for Triple A Chicago isn't surprised by the survey, which is why the company offers a number of different resources for parents so they'll keep talking to their teen about safe driving.
"We also recommend using a parent to teen driving contract. It's a great way for parents to say to teens... If you're going to be driving my car under my home then these are the rules you're going to follow," said spokesperson Beth Mosher.
And following the rules is something Deputy Chief Meyers hopes all drivers will do.
"We're paid to enforce the law and that's what we're going to do. If people are going to continue to ignore the facts that this is an unsafe habit then perhaps enforcement is the only way to gain compliance," adds.
