Illinois Drive Now Text Later Campaign Helps Combat Texting Driving

Texting while driving is not only dangerous, it is also illegal in 44 states, including Illinois. When it comes to using a mobile device while driving, Illinois law has banned:

• all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers;
• all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for drivers under the age of 19;
• text for all drivers;
• cell phone use while driving in a school zone or in a highway construction zone; and
• handheld devices for all drivers.

The National Safety Council reports an estimated 24 percent of all motor vehicle accidents are linked to drivers texting or talking on cell phones, which equals to about 1.2 million crashes per year. IllinoisTollway.com provides a few disturbing statistics linked to distracted driving in the state, which include:

• the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident increases by 23 times for the duration of time a driver is sending a text;
• every 24 seconds an accident occurs that is linked to distracted driving caused by cell phone use;
• distracted driving is responsible for 80 percent of all crashes; and
• in under five seconds, if driving at 65 mph, this converts to driving the distance of a football field blindfolded.

In a report by Fox 32 News earlier this year, Illinois State Police revealed that the number of distracted driving citations had more than tripled, reaching 2,380 compared to 767 the year previous, including tickets for texting while driving.

The state has adopted the “Drive Now. Text Later.” awareness campaign to warn drivers of the dangers and repercussions of texting while driving. The campaign is designed to educate people on the road and in the community about driving without distraction. Posters, bumper stickers, and roadway message boards all have spread the word about “texting later.”

If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Illinois, contact an experienced Chicago auto accident attorney today to go over your legal options.