Cell phone usage has risen dramatically over the last 10 years, and now, Illinois has joined myriad other states in passing laws to keep drivers safe in the electronic age.
On Jan. 1, two new laws took affect which govern cell phone usage. Cell phone usage in school or construction zones is now banned — unless you are using a hands-free device. In addition, texting while driving, which includes composing, sending or reading messages has been outlawed.
Many residents may have grown used to being able to use the cell phone any time they want while they drive. However, the laws were passed because of those times when distracted driving has resulted in serious injury and even death. When motorists are going through construction zones and school zones, they need to be alert. Children and those working on the roadways are at high risk of being injured or killed by distracted driving. The new laws eliminate two reasons for that distraction.
