Chicago cell phone users: the new drunk drivers
Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich is calling cell phone users the new drunk drivers. And last month, the Vehicle and Safety Committee of the Illinois House approved a bill that would ban texting on cell phones while driving. The bill is now moving to the full House in Springfield. But do bans really affect driver behavior?
As it moves through the Illinois legislature, supporters of the bill contend that sending text messages can lead to tragedies on the road when drivers aren’t paying attention. Information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the driver distraction due to cell phone use and text messaging can be found here.
The City of Chicago has already put a cell phone ban in place since last year, but it is unclear how the ban has really deterred cell phone use while driving. Everyday, Chicago drivers are seen talking and texting while on the road.
Like the Chicago ban, the Illinois plan calls for a $75 fine, and a $200 ticket if the cell phone use causes a car accident- but only time will tell if a ban will actually curb text messaging car accidents. A statewide ban could be signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn as early as May or June.
Comments about this post can be directed to the Chicago Car Accident Attorneys at Shea Law Group at 877-365-0040. We represent victims of car accidents throughout the Chicago area. If you have been injured in a car crash, please contact us for a consultation.
