On January 1st, 2014, several new traffic laws were issued in the state of Illinois. One of the laws greatly affects all, especially young drivers like high school students who can’t seem to get off their phones for a short period of time. The new cell phone traffic law states that while driving in Illinois, citizens must use Bluetooth or they cannot use their phones at all.
“All the officer has to do is see you talking on your cell phone and driving…he (the police) has the legal authority and write you a citation,” said McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery.
First time offenders are faced with a $75 fine, and $25 is added for each conditional remaining offense.
“The accident rate will drop immensely; with this law in place Illinois drivers will become much more distraction-free than ever before.” an anonymous Oak Brook police officer said.
These laws may heavily impact teenagers, as the temptation seems to be most prevalent with the 16-20 year old age group.
“The temptation is always present to use your phone while driving, especially since our generation is so addicted to our phones,” said junior Brian Baker.
Despite our generation using phones the most, many also feel that the experience adult drivers have may make them feel entitled to break the laws.
“Experienced drivers feel that due to their high level of experience that they are impervious to the laws,” Baker said.
Adult drivers such as York teachers agree that the temptation exists for them as well while driving.
“The idea to use your phone while driving is always there, yet my personal ideology is ‘out of sight, out of mind’, so I always keep my phone away while driving to keep the temptation away.” said English teacher Ms. Noble.
Noble also added that she is strongly in favor of this law, due to being a heavy user of Illinois highways.
“As a commuter, I am all for this law being enforced,” Noble said. “People are unaware of their surroundings while using their technological devices while driving, and if the police force follows through on this law efficiently and effectively then it will be a huge positive for all drivers,” Noble said.
This law ultimately becomes a win-win situation for both the police and Illinois drivers.
“This law makes it much easier for us to see if people are using their phones while driving, as well as prevents us to spend lots of time at accident scenes that could have been prevented with this law in place,” The Oak Brook Police officer said.