Illinois legislation seeks to reduce distracted driving accidents

April 17, 2013 (Press-News.org) Illinois legislation seeks to reduce distracted driving accidents

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Driver distraction behind the wheel is an increasing cause of many accidents across the country and in Illinois. The prevalence of cellphone use in cars continues to increase even as states implement new laws attempting to curb the behavior and reduce the number of car accidents caused by distracted driving.

In 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution making April National Distracted Driving Awareness month. The resolution was in part prompted by the death of 9-year-old Colorado girl who was struck by a distracted driver in 2008. The little girl's mother has become an advocate of cell-free driving. In Illinois, stricter distracted driving legislation is making its way through the legislative process.
Possible ban on handheld phones

In March, the Illinois House of Representative approved a bill to ban handheld cellphone use in the state. However, the Senate defeated similar legislation last year. Results from California where a similar ban has been in place for several years, show there have been a reduction in the number of distracted driving-related auto accidents. Currently, Illinois law prohibits drivers from texting while driving. There is also a ban on all handheld cell use by school bus drivers and novice drivers.

Some companies are also starting to develop new technology that would block cellphones from operating when a car is in motion. For Distracted Driving Awareness month, Dale Earnhardt Jr. teamed up with Sprint to talk about an app that keeps drivers from texting while driving.
Disabling phone capabilities while in the car

The Sprint Drive First mobile application blocks notification of text messages. It also sends an automatic reply while someone is driving. By using the Smartphone's GPS the app detects when a vehicle is travelling faster than 10 miles per hour and locks the phone.

A driver is 23 times more likely to be involved in a car crash if texting while driving. It is not only an issue for teens, but also truck and delivery drivers and field sales representatives. In many of these professions, it is necessary to stay in touch with a home office or customers. Many companies provide employees with business phones to increase productivity, but have put bans on all cellphone use while driving to ensure that employees use their phones safely.

While educational campaigns, employer safety efforts and new apps continue to address the dangers of distracted driving, it still occurs. When a driver takes his or her eyes off the road it can easily lead to serious driving mistakes. Drifting out of the lane of travel may result in a driver overcorrecting and crashing into a vehicle in the oncoming lane, for example.

If you or a loved one is injured in a car collision, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A serious injury caused by an auto accident can completely change your life. Your focus must remain on recovery. A personal injury attorney can explain available remedies and fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.