New Illinois Traffic Law: A Follow-Up

 Posted on February 28, 2014 in Personal Injury

Several weeks ago, we discussed Illinois' new traffic law banning handheld cell phone use while driving, which took effect at the beginning of 2014. Now, the Northern Star is reporting that the state of Illinois is beginning a campaign aimed at educating drivers about the law.

Drop it and Drive A number of state departments are participating in the campaign, titled Drop it and Drive, in order to raise awareness about the law. Plans for the campaign include displaying posters at tollbooths on the roadways of Illinois and in retail establishments, as well as running commercials on television and the radio. Specifics of the Law As you may already be aware, the law generally banned the handheld use of cellular devices while operating a vehicle, unless the phone is being used in an emergency, or the device is set to a speakerphone, hands-free headset, or another voice activation or hands-free mode. The purpose of the campaign is to make sure the citizens of Illinois and the drivers on its roadways are aware of the new law and its terms - as well as the consequences of violating it. Purpose of the Law The hope with the new law is ultimately the prevention of auto accidents, as the article reported approximately 6,000 crashes occurred between 2008 and 2012 from distracted driving involving cell phone use. Officials say that the rate is much higher than it should be, and that the new law will go a long way in making the roadways of Illinois safer. That is predicated, of course, on the premise that drivers will be aware of the law as well as follow it, something that not everyone is confident will happen. Distracted driving due to cell phone use is a problem that is apparent across the nation. Illinois is the 12th state to enact a law banning the use of handheld phones while operating a vehicle. Some laws were already operating in the state of Illinois to ban cell phone use while driving, specifically in the city of Chicago and in school zones, as well as in some other smaller towns in the state. However, the new law is enacted across the state, and therefore has farther reaching effects, entirely eliminating questions about where within the state cell phone use while driving is permitted. Consequences of Violation Drivers found to be in violation of the law will face a fine, starting in the amount of $75.00, but can face a fine as much as $150.00 if they are repeat offenders, and can also face having their driver's license suspended. If you or someone you know was injured in an accident in Illinois involving a driver distracted by cell phone use, contact the experienced Illinois car accident attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today.