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House Bill to Prohibit Handheld Cell Usage While Driving

Holding a cell phone up to your ear while driving would be illegal under a measure approved Thursday by the Illinois House. Auto makers have done a lot to make cars safer. But, Democratic Representative Marlow Colvin of Chicago says car makers can't protect drivers from themselves.  He says he's concerned about the distractions people create while operating a 5 thousand pound, moving automobile.  The measure would carry a $75 fine for a first offense.

Representative John D'Amico, a Chicago Democrat, sponsored the legislation. Chicago is one of many cities in Illinois that already have a similar ban in place.  D'Amico says that creates a patchwork of regulations that's confusing to motorists. He says he realizes people don't always drive with both hands on the steering wheel, but having another hand free could help a driver avoid an accident.

Critics like Representative Chuck Jefferson, a Rockford Democrat, says there are other distractions that are just as dangerous but not illegal.  Jefferson says he thinks  a lot of people that have been in accidents because of coffee spilled on their laps. He says the bill is over-regulation and would create an easy opening for racial profiling.

The measure makes exceptions for emergency calls. It would remain legal to make a call using a headset or on speakerphone.  Illinois already bans texting while driving.  And it's illegal to use a cell phone when driving in construction and school zones. The measure passed 62 to 53.

The legislation is HB3972.

The House also passed a separate measure that would prohibit use of cell phones within 500-feet of emergency scenes. It would apply anytime you are driving past an emergency vehicle that has its flashing lights on. Representative Jerry Costello II  says police and other emergency responders are already at great risk on the side of the road. He told the story of a woman who struck an Illinois State Police trooper on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago. Costello says the driver was traveling 60 mph while talking on her cell phone and did not realize the state trooper was there.  The trooper ended up with a shattered pelvis, two broken legs and a head contusion.

The legislation is HB5099.

 

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