NEW ILLINOIS TRAFFIC LAWS GO INTO EFFECT FRIDAY
Beginning January 1st, several new traffic laws will become effective in Illinois, including a ban on texting while driving. The ban prohibits composing, sending or reading text messages, instant messages or email on a cell phone or other personal digital assistant or computer. Under the new law, police will have the power to subpoena phone records after a serious accident to determine whether text messages were being sent or received at the time of the crash.
Also taking effect is a new law increasing the penalty for causing an accident while driving without insurance. Starting this Friday, drivers without insurance who cause bodily injury in an accident will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor instead of a traffic citation.
Another law going into effect prohibits drivers from talking on hand-held phones while driving through construction zones and school zones. Hands-free devices are still allowed.
Whether the new laws ultimately succeed in deterring distracted driving behavior will depend not only on how well the police enforce these new laws, but also on the public's awareness of the dangers related with distracted driving. Do your part to keep the roads safe and keep your cell phone out of reach while you drive.
Click here to see a complete listing of laws in effect for 2010.
