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Illinois Moves Toward Phone Ban While Driving

Apr 5, 2012

Chicago, IL (Law Firm Newswire) April 4, 2012 – Lawmakers in the Illinois House of Representatives in March voted to prohibit drivers from using hand-held mobile phones with their hands. The law would require all drivers using mobile devices to do so using earpieces or other hands-free technology.

The bill passed the House 62-53. The legislation’s opponents said Illinois was becoming a “nanny state.” The bill’s proponents insist that it will save lives.

“The dangers of distracted driving are well documented,” said Chicago accident attorney Paul Greenberg. “If the threat of a moving violation is enough to keep people from participating in activities that put other people’s lives at risk, then I fully support it.”

The city of Chicago has had a similar ban for years, but violations only resulted in a ticket. Violators of a statewide ban could potentially have their licenses revoked if they have more than three moving violations in the span of a year.

“I understand when people push back against rules they feel encroach on their personal freedoms,” Greenberg said. “But I believe people have become far too comfortable driving while distracted. It puts people’s safety at risk and it’s in everyone’s best interest if the state gives some teeth to the law.”

Nine states have laws banning the use of hand-held devices without an earpiece or other hands-free devices. There are 35 states with bans on texting while driving for all drivers, according to research from the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration. Six state legislatures are so opposed to legislation banning distracted driving that they have passed laws prohibiting municipalities from banning the behavior.

To learn more about Chicago accident lawyer Paul Greenberg, visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com or call 877-595-HURT (4878).

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