SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois moved a step closer Wednesday to becoming the 10th state in the nation to ban motorists from using a cell phone while driving.
On a 6-3 vote, the House Transportation Committee signed off on a proposal requiring motorists to put down their phones when they get behind the wheel. Drivers could continue to use a mobile phone if it is switched to a hands-free setting.
"This bill is about safety," said state Rep. John D'Amico, a Chicago Democrat who sponsored the proposal.
Illinois already bans texting while driving and restricts talking on mobile devices when driving through school and construction zones. A federal law bars commercial truck and bus drivers from using cell phones.
In December, the National Traffic Safety Board issued a report calling for a complete ban on cell phone use based on a review of data dating back 10 years. No states currently completely outlaw cell phone use while driving, but the agency said the diversion caused by phone use warrants the change.
Other safety groups also back the ban.
John Ulcycki, vice president of the National Safety Council, said studies in other states have found people reduce their phone use when bans are in effect.
"We want people to be using their phone less," Ulcycki said.
Evanston Alderwoman Jane Grover told the committee that a ban in her community has cut down on wrecks and resulted in an increase in revenue from traffic tickets.
"We've seen a significant downtick in the number of accidents," Grover said.
The Illinois Trucking Association said expanding the ban to all drivers would level the playing field for truckers. The Illinois State Police also support the measure.
State Rep. Dennis Reboletti, R-Elmhurst, was among those voting against the proposal.
"I think this may be overreaching," Reboletti said.
Senate President John Cullerton, who supports the proposal, earlier said a cell phone ban was unlikely to happen this year.
"I don't think there is the political support yet to pass that but I think its something that might be inevitable," Cullerton told reporters.
The measure now moves to the full House for further action
Read more: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/ill-house-committee-backs-proposal-to-ban-drivers-from-using/article_5e725f2c-5291-11e1-a7ec-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1lv3wO7kY
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