Category Archives: Cell Phone Ban

IL Governor Quinn Signs A Statewide Ban On Hand Held Cell Phone Use While Driving

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I mentioned this in a
recent blog post and The Chicago Tribune, reported the same back in
August that Illinois Governor Quinn has signed a bill banning a hand held cell
phone use for drivers. This new law will take effect on January 1, 2014. Fines
for driving and using a cell phone (talking, texting, emailing, using the
internet) will start at $75. The only cell phone use allowed for drivers is
hands-free technology such as blue tooth devices. The only other exception for cell
phone use will be in the case of an emergency.

“Too
many Illinois families have suffered because of accidents that could have been
prevented,” Quinn said in a statement. “Anyone driving a car should be careful,
responsive and alert behind the wheel.”

Quinn also signed a
measure into law that would increase penalties for drivers who injure or kills
others in crashes caused by the use of a cell phone or other electronic device.

Distracted motorists who
harm other drivers would face a Class A misdemeanor, which could result in
fines up to $2,500 and less than a year of jail time. Drivers involved in fatal car accidents could be charged with a Class 4 felony, which carries fines up to
$25,000 and up to three years of jail time.  That measure also goes into
effect January 1, 2014.

I think we have to take our hats off to the Illinois legislature and Governor Quinn for stepping up to the plate and finally enacting stiffer penalties for those who injure or kill others while texting and driving. I have been calling for this for years and it is good to see that state of Illinois finally take action. 

If you or someone you
know has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then
call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free legal consultation at 312-588-3384.

IL Governor Quinn Signs New Cell Phone Ban Into Law

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 The Illinois legislature
and Governor Quinn continue their quest to protect drivers and pedestrians with
a new law that bans make
it illegal for drivers to make calls with a hand-held phone within 500 feet of
an accident scene where emergency vehicles have flashing lights, except for
reporting emergencies. It also bans sending picture and video messages while
driving at any time.   Supporters say it would reduce the risk of
careless drivers hitting accident victims or emergency personnel. Cell phone
use by drivers already is banned in construction and school zones. 
 It is also illegal in Illinois to text or email on your cell phone while
driving.

I do
not know the specifics or the genesis of this bill but I imagine it serves
several purposes. First, when drivers are passing by an accident they tend to
be distracted by the flashing lights and all of the commotion from the
accident. Banning cell phone use I believe is an attempt to prevent an already
distracting driving situation. Second, there may be some concern with blocked
lines and airwaves with emergency personnel and responders. Regardless, this
was necessary action taken by the legislature and will hopefully lead to safer
roads and less car accidents.

If
you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago car accident or
Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant
for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website
www.blgchicago.com. style=”font-size: 12pt; font-family: ‘Times New Roman’, serif; “>

Evanston Enacts Cell Phone Ban While Driving

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The Evanston, Illinois city council adds to growing list of government entities restricting the use of cell phones while driving. The ordinance went into effect yesterday, which bans the use of cell phones while driving and also bans texting while driving, web browsing, reading and sending electronic messages, and listening to voicemail messages while driving.

There is obviously a growing trend in Illinois as a statewide ban on texting while driving became effective on January 1.

The ordinance allows the use of cell phones only if the driver is using a hands-free device. Each violation carries a $50 fine. If someone is involved in an auto accident while using a hand-held phone, the fine shoots up to a maximum of $200.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident or a Chicago truck accident, then call attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384.