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Bill Would Ban Photos At Accident Scenes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM) -- A state lawmaker doesn't want drivers to stop and take pictures or videos of vehicle accidents.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Alex Degman reports, a measure to ban that practice has passed an Illinois House committee.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Alex Degman reports

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The bill's sponsor, state Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville), says amateur photographers often get in the way of emergency personnel.

"Putting your cell phone over the firemen's shoulders as he's using the jaws of life, maybe to get your grandmother of the front seat of her car while she's bleeding," Holbrook said. "You never know with these things. These are horrendous situations for individuals."

Holbrook says accident victims would still be able to take pictures for insurance purposes.

But the bill says no person may use a wireless device within 500 feet of an accident, except for specified purposes.

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