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November 7, 2009

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No Text and Drive for Rutherford

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By Michelle Mantel

Story Published: Feb 8, 2009 at 10:40 PM CST

Story Updated: Feb 8, 2009 at 10:40 PM CST

If it were up to a local state senator, text messaging while operating a motor vehicle in Illinois would be against the law.

Senator Dan Rutherford introduced a bill last week that drivers would face fines if they're caught texting on electronic devices like cell phones while driving.

The bill indicates texting behind the wheel would cost the driver 75–dollars for the violation and an additional 200 if it occurs at the time of a traffic accident.

Senator Rutherford said, "What really precipitated this was me coming back from a meeting and I'm driving down the highway and I look over there's a lady with her elbows on the steering wheel texting and her child is in a baby seat with a car carrier in the back, I'm thinking this is just wrong."

The bill currently sits in a Senate committee.
According to the Governor's Highway Safety Association, there are seven states that currently ban texting for all drivers.

View Oldest Comments First

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 11:35 AM robt wrote ...

nicole, you have a point but not a very good one. changing a cd for a few seconds is much different than talking for 10-20 minutes. and yes, there is no way to tell whether someone is texting or talking, and its a great reason why ALL cell phone useage must be banned, besides the fact that they both create a danger to everyone. i will admit that i have never tried to put makeup on while driving, but if i ever had the need, i would have enough common sense to either pull over or get up earlier

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 7:50 AM Nichole wrote ...

How is an officer supposed to tell the difference between someone dialing a phone number and texting a message? It would look the same as someone drove by you. Text messaging is dangerous when behind the wheel, but so is eating food, putting on make-up, changing a CD, reaching for something that falls., the list goes on and on, and we all do things we probably shouldn't. I think education on safety and peer support would have a better effect than adding more fines on things we all do at times

Monday, Feb 9 at 10:45 AM Doggie wrote ...

A solution to the use of cell phones in a vehicle might be to have stiffer fines, and like drunk driving a criminal record. If it is worse than drunk driving the penalties should be higher. Hopefully the Mad Mothers get behind this so counties can generate more revenue.

Monday, Feb 9 at 10:37 AM scared driver wrote ...

I am terrified that myself or someone in my family is going to be killed by one of these stupid people. I wish the fine was higher and jail time given if you were involved in an accident. Make it so people would really think twice before texting while driving.

Monday, Feb 9 at 9:00 AM myname2617 wrote ...

i dont think it'll do any good. i live in bloomington and talking on the cell phone is banned but people still do it and no one gets ticketed for it. so whats the point of making more stupid laws that the police dont enforce anyways.

Monday, Feb 9 at 8:58 AM jonnie wrote ...

they are worse then drunk drivers

Monday, Feb 9 at 4:14 AM mikchael K wrote ...

You can not do two things at the same time. Driving and talking or texting are two different things and require full attention. i think it is great that a law is in the works with regard.If you want to talk or text, pull over to the side of the road and do your thing.

Sunday, Feb 8 at 11:30 PM annoyed driver wrote ...

i am never a fan of more rules and regulations, but this one i am for. please dan, ban ALL cell phone useage. i am so tired of being around these inconsiderate drivers who cant talk and drive at the same time. it needs to end.

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