Texting while driving is a growing trend and national epidemic. Text messaging pulls visual, physical and cognitive attention away from the driver’s primary task, to drive. According to the National Safety Council’s annual injury and fatality report, cell phone use is estimated to be involved in 26% of all motor vehicle crashes. What drivers feel is only a one second glance is actually, on average, five seconds of driving without looking at the road. Texting can be a very serious and dangerous activity while driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting while driving makes a driver 23X more likely to crash. A driver who is texting might not be able to brake in time, causing an automobile accident or a serious injury. The careless decision to text and drive may leave you or other innocent drivers injured, or dead.  If you are hurt because of a texting and driving accident, you may have to take time off from work and if your personal injury requires medical care, medical bills can become quite an expense.

Texting while driving is avoidable, yet many people risk their personal safety and the safety of others by ignoring simple driving laws. Know your rights and the laws for texting and driving in Illinois to protect yourself, your passengers and fellow motorists on the road.

Texting Ban for Illinois Drivers

As of 2010, driving and texting became illegal for drivers in Illinois. Below are the laws related to texting and driving, according to the Illinois General Assembly:

  • An electronic communication device refers to a wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer that’s used for the purpose of composing, reading, or sending an electronic message.
  • An electronic message refers to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site.
  • Texting while driving is a primary offense which means the police can pull over any driver suspected of texting even if they are not violating any other traffic laws.
  • Fines for offenders that text and drive start at $75.
  • Drivers can text only if car is parked or in neutral, you’re reporting an accident or emergency, if you pull onto the shoulder or if your GPS is on your cell phone.

Victims Injured by Drivers Texting

At Lipkin & Apter we have accident injury lawyers that have advanced knowledge and expertise to help individuals involved in an automobile accident caused by a texting driver. In fact we have helped hundreds of clients receive compensation for injuries sustained in car, truck and motorcycle accidents.  Our attorneys at Lipkin & Apter want you to be safe on the roads. That is why we urge you to use your cell phone responsibility.

If you have been a victim of a car accident caused by another driver using their cell phone, contact Lipkin & Apter right away. We are committed to providing knowledge and support for all our clients. Call or contact us online.