Governor Signs Three New Traffic Safety Laws
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn has signed three pieces of legislation aimed at improving road safety in Illinois.
WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports one new law, dubbed "Patricia's Law," prevents drivers from being granted court supervision when they are charged in a fatal crash, and if they have a previous traffic conviction, or were placed on court supervision for an earlier traffic violation.
Quinn Signs New Traffic Safety Laws
The law was named after Patricia McNamara, a Rockford woman killed in a crash caused by a distracted driver who was given a fine and court supervision in the case.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said that was not enough.
"Court supervision is a way by which you get your license back, and you pay a fine. You may have to do some community service, and I just think that's the wrong way to approach how we deal with individuals who have killed someone on our roads," he said.
Another new law, dubbed "Kelsey's Law," was inspired by an accident in which Minooka teenager Kelsey Little was seriously injured when she was struck by a teen driver who was driving without a learner's permit.
That law would prohibit anyone 18 or younger from obtaining a full driver's license if they have outstanding traffic tickets.
The third piece of legislation would require anyone between the ages of 18 and 21 who didn't take driver's education classes in high school to complete an adult driver's education course before getting a license.
