Driving while using a hand-held phone is very dangerous and distracting. Statistics show that if you are texting while driving, it makes the driver 23x more likely to get into a crash. Also, drivers talking on a cell phone are 4x more likely to have a car accident. No wonder cell phone use while driving is illegal. As of January 1, 2014, Illinois law banned the use of all hand-held devices while driving. A driver may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read and electronic message.
It’s the Law
- Only hands-free technology such as speakerphones, bluetooth, and headsets are permitted.
- No cell phone use while driving in school zones.
- No cell phone use while driving in a highway construction zone.
- No cell phone use if you are a novice driver.
- No texting.
Penalties
An officer can and will pull you over and issue you a ticket if you witnesses you using a hand-held cell phone while driving. The fees for these tickets start at $75 and repeat offenders could pay $150. Not only will you have to pay a fine, but you are also risking getting your license suspended. The new law also imposes stricter penalties following crashes that cause bodily harm. Would you really want to face up to one year in prison or up to three years in prison if the crash is fatal? It’s just not worth it.
Protect Lives
Aero Auto Parts encourages you to take the pledge to drive safely and drive without the use of hand-held cell phones. Protect yourself, other drivers, passengers, bikers, and pedestrians.
