State Bill Would Outlaw Cell Phone Use By Drivers Near Accident Scenes
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- A piece of proposed legislation now on Gov. Pat Quinn's desk gives motorists some more reasons to lose the cell phone.
The bill would prohibit using mobile phones near accident scenes. It passed the Illinois State House of Representatives Monday by a vote of 84-30.
Under the bill, drivers would not be allowed to make calls with a hand-held phone within 500 feet of an accident scene where emergency vehicles' lights are running, except for the purpose of reporting the accident.
The bill also bans drivers from recording video while driving and from sending picture messages behind the wheel/
Supporters say the bill, HB 5099, would reduce the risk of careless drivers hitting accident victims or emergency personnel. Cell phone use by drivers already is banned in construction and school zones, and is banned altogether in Chicago and several other municipalities.
Opponents call the ban overregulation by the state.
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