Gov. Pat Quinn set to sign ban on texting while driving
By Monique Garcia Tribune reporter
Gov. Pat Quinn on Thursday is scheduled to sign into law a measure barring motorists from sending text messages while driving.
Illinois would join 14 other states and Washington in prohibiting the practice, which safety advocates say is dangerous and leads to crashes. The law would allow police to stop and ticket motorists for sending text messages, downloading ring tones or surfing the Internet on their mobile phones. It would take effect Jan. 1.
GPS devices still could be used, even if they are part of a cell phone. Drivers also could pull onto the shoulder or put the car in park or neutral while stuck in traffic before sending messages.
A spokeswoman said Quinn plans to sign the bill at an afternoon ceremony at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. He will be joined by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who pushed for the ban following recommendations from his distracted-driving task force.
Lawmakers in May sent the measure to Quinn for approval despite some concerns that police could abuse the law to pull over drivers of a particular race.
Supporters said the law sends an important safety message.
Quinn also plans to sign a measure to bar drivers from talking on cell phones while in school and construction zones unless they are using a hands-free device.
mcgarcia@tribune.com
Powered by