Illinois BAN On Texting While Driving Effective Jan. 1, 2010

suntimes.com:

On Friday, Illinois will become the 19th state to ban texting while driving.

Read the whole story: suntimes.com

Comments

[rocketdog56]

06:57 PM on 01/05/2010

I think anyone with a brain knows that talking or texting while driving are bad, but, who is enforcing these laws, every day I see dozens of people on cell phones, I don't see any of them getting pulled over, what is the point if the laws are not enforced?

[candodo]

06:51 PM on 01/02/2010

In Australia (about ten years ago) the government put into action a law making it illegal to talk on a cell phone and drive simultaneously. They may use a handless phone set-up but if they are caught holding a phone while driving fines range from $202.00 (and up) AND they get three points against their license.

It's a medical fact that driving AND talking are considered to be two "high-brain functions" and it is very hard for the body to do both well simultaneously. Example: Ever miss your exit because you were talking to someone in your car? Driving a 5, 6 or 7 ton metal vehichle is dangerous enough in itself. We don't need the added distraction of someone texting or chatting on their cellphone, too.

And for the folks who think they can do both well at the same time, I beg to differ. I have had many yahoos on the road keep pace with me while they chat away and I'm stuck having to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting the truck ahead of me because they won't get out of the fast lane to let others pass them. If it's really necessary to talk on the phone then use a handless set-up or pull off the road. Have some consideration for the other drivers who would like to make it home alive.

[OdinsEye]

09:25 PM on 01/01/2010

Texting unless parked should be banned in all states. Use of hands free devices for cell phones should be required in all states. Any use of cell phones for those drivers under 18 should be banned in all states (unless it is being used as a navigation unit). Windshield mounts for GPS and other electronic devices should be banned. Use of dual earpiece headphones/earphones should be banned.

[ChelseaC]

02:02 PM on 12/31/2009

Good law--this should be banned.

[johnnygoodwud]

10:25 AM on 12/31/2009

great pic. see the semi about to broadside her? reminds me of the opening scene in 6' under, where the father who is on his phone gets crunched by a bus broadside in the hearse.

[kareemachan]

10:15 AM on 12/31/2009

And you are totally in the know about that, huh?

[kareemachan]

10:15 AM on 12/31/2009

Oops, I meant this to be a reply to the zomboid unit.

[crookedcountyillinois]

11:08 PM on 12/29/2009

Our 96th General Assembly hard at work: defining any possible activity, while driving, that could lead to an accident. Aren't you glad you'll be paying pensions (taxes) for the rest of your life for the hard work of these men and women?

[zombywulf]

03:42 PM on 12/29/2009

It will probably be as effective as the one here in WA, "zero"