Lawmaker In Report: Don’t Expect Statewide Cell Phone Ban Anytime Soon

January 4, 2012 6:46 AM

(Credit: CBS)

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CHICAGO (CBS) — A statewide ban on cell phone use while driving could change your commute forever, but state Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) says it won’t be happening yet.

As CBS 2’s Kris Habermehl reports, Cullerton tells the Chicago Tribune a statewide ban does not have the support to pass in the Illinois General Assembly right now.

But he said eventually, a statewide ban is “inevitable,” and spoke in support of such a ban, telling the Tribune there is no question that cell phone use while driving is a “distraction.”

The National Transportation Safety Board last month recommended a comprehensive ban on all cell phone use while driving, even with a hands-free device.

The City of Chicago has banned cell phone use while driving since 2005, but permits use with hands-free devices.

Lawmaker In Report: Dont Expect Statewide Cell Phone Ban Anytime Soon

Roberta Waker

When someone in THEIR family is killed by some idiot distracted by a cell phone, this law will pass the next day. Too bad someone has to die to get their attention and support for this much needed STATEWIDE law.

Jim Hamilton

Agreed with you there Roberta and we may as well go for a full federal law prohibiting it in all states. I would like to know that I’m protected from these inconsiderate phone addicts no matter where I drive

Martin

As long as they include supposed hands-free devices too. The science used to show the dangerousness of a regular cell phone is showing that the hands-free ones are just as bad at distracting drivers.
Micheal Savage

I blame the Democratic black irishman politicians for this nonsense happening on the roads of this state and country.
Lisa K

I disagree with banning a hands free device. What is the difference between talking to a passenger in your vehicle and talking through a blue tooth enabled device in the vehicle? It makes no sense. Next they will try and ban talking to passengers in a vehicle!

Martin

What’s the difference between eating a burger, drining a soda, or changing the radio station and talking on a phone? Ban those items simply because they are in one’s hand while driving?