Hands Free Devices Cell Phones

Distracted drivers are a leading cause of car accidents in Illinois. Drivers pay more attention to their phones than they do the road. Illinois restricts cell phone use while driving, but allows for hands-free usage in many instances. But, are people still distracted when using a hands-free device?

Illinois’s Cell Phone Laws

Since 2014, Illinois has banned the use of all handheld devices while driving. It also has a specific ban on texting while driving. Illinois does generally allow for the use of hands-free devices such as speakerphones, bluetooth headsets, and voice activated devices.

However, Illinois is one of the few states to also prohibit all cell phone use in certain situations. This includes while driving in school zones and construction zones. Novice drivers are also prohibited from using a cell phone at all while driving.

Hands-Free and Still Distracted

Research has shown that even when using a hands-free device drivers are often just as distracted as when holding the phone in their hands. Anything that takes a driver's focus away from the task of driving is a hazard.

It is now fairly common practice for cell phone records to be requested during car accident cases. Even if someone is legally using a hands-free device, if the records show that they were talking on the phone when they accident happened, it can be used to prove the driver was distracted and acted negligently.

The safest thing to do is to keep your phone off and away from you while driving. Only use your phone in an emergency. This way you are not distracted or even tempted to use the phone while on the road.

However, you cannot control the behavior of other drivers. Drivers will continue to text and talk while driving, even in places it is illegal to use a cell phone. Sometimes even the threat of a ticket is enough to deter people from making irresponsible decisions. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a distracted driver, you need to take action to protect your rights.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, you need to contact a tough Lake County personal injury attorney. Call the law firm of Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 today to schedule a consultation. You may only have a brief time to make your claim.

Source:

http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K12-610.2