ILLINOIS CELL PHONE BAN FOR TRUCKERS NOW IN EFFECT
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by: TruckingInfo
Three important pieces of legislation supported by the
Illinois Department of Transportation aimed at reducing cell phone use while
driving and clearing lanes of traffic immediately following crashes are now in
effect as of Jan. 1.<!stop>
House Bill 5101 prohibits texting or using a
hand-held cell phone while driving a commercial motor vehicle and makes this a
serious traffic violation. Previously, Illinois law prohibited texting while
driving for all vehicles, but cell phones were permitted. Illinois statutes were
since amended to be in compliance with the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations law
that prohibits texting and cell phone use by commercial motor vehicle
drivers.
Senate Bill 2488 prohibits cell phone use in construction or
maintenance speed zones regardless of the speed limit in those zones. Motorists
can use cell phones in voice-operated mode, which includes the use of a headset
or cell phones used with single button activation.
Prior to the passage
of this law, the speed limit in a work zone had to be lower than the posted
speed limit, or it was not actually considered a work zone by the definition in
statute and the higher ticket did not apply. Voice activated use of cell phone
was permitted prior to this change.
"People are tragically injured and
killed in work zones and by commercial motor vehicles due to distracted driving.
Cell phone distractions have been proven to be as dangerous as drinking and
driving," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "These laws
will stiffen distracted driving laws and save lives."
Senate Bill 3409
allows the driver of a vehicle involved in a motor vehicle crash resulting only
in damage to a vehicle to move the vehicle off the highway to the nearest safe
location. The locations for the driver to consider are an exit ramp shoulder, a
frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other locations that will
not obstruct traffic.
The law states the driver should remain at that
location until the requirements are fulfilled concerning the duty to give
information and render aid.
The previous statute involving moving a
vehicle following a crash stated "Every such stop shall be made without
obstructing traffic more than is necessary." Senate Bill 3409 clarifies the
language and explains that moving your vehicle to safety will not violate the
statute.
"The decisions made immediately following a crash are critical,"
Secretary Schneider said. "This law will reduce the chances of further injury
and secondary crashes by allowing able vehicles to clear the roadway following a
crash."
The Illinois State Police and nearly 300 law enforcement agencies
statewide began enforcing these new laws on Jan. 1, along with current impaired
driving and seat belt laws.