Illinois Car and Truck Accident Lawyer Blog

An Illinois State Representative has introduced new legislation that would ban cell phone use while operating a vehicle throughout the State. Yet, the use of hands-free devices would continue to be allowed under the new law. Nine other states have enacted similar laws banning cell phone use while driving.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, cell phone distractions were the main cause of over 500 crashes in Illinois during the first half of 2010.

As an Illinois car accident attorney, I have seen the serious injuries that can result from distracted driving. Although I appreciate the everyday convenience that cell phones provide, I support this legislation because I believe it will reduce the amount of serious injuries and deaths that result from cell phone distracted driving.

As a Chicago car accident attorney, I want to express my support for the new Illinois law requiring that adults wear seat belts while riding in the back seat of a vehicle, which took effect on the first of this year. As winter weather conditions make Chicago area roads more dangerous, the simple step of wearing a seat belt can prevent serious injury or death in the event of an accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2010, 38 un-belted back seat passengers died in car crashes in Illinois. While this may seem like a relatively small number, many of these deaths likely could have been averted if the passengers were wearing their seatbelts. I strongly encourage Illinois motorists to follow this new law to avoid getting a ticket, and more importantly, to prevent serious injuries or death.