Community

Time to Talk with Teen Drivers About New Illinois Texting Ban


texting

State Farm Agent Mike Jordan expects police to aggressively enforce the Illinois texting ban. (Photo: morgueFile.com)

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– With the soon-to-be law banning texting while driving, State Farm Agent Mike Jordan is encouraging parents to talk to their teenagers about distracted driving.

“Now we have an ideal opportunity for serious conversations with young drivers about the dangers of not paying complete attention to the road,” Jordan explains. ““Teen drivers are especially impacted due to inexperience in managing distractions while also concentrating on safe driving. Please encourage young drivers to focus only on driving, for their safety and the safety of others on the road.”

The State of Illinois is ready to fight against distracted driving. As of January 1, texting while driving is banned at all times on Illinois roadways. According to the new law, drivers may not use any electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message, which includes e-mail, text messages, instant messages, or requesting access to an Internet site.

“It might be convenient,” says Jordan, “but trying to write messages or even read messages while also driving is a very serious distraction, making it dangerous not only for the driver and his/her passengers, but also for everyone else traveling.”

Jordan also emphasizes that being at a stop sign or stop light does not waive the texting restriction. You must have the automobile in parked gear in order to be allowed to read or write messages.

“A good rule-of-thumb is to not be tempted to use it, even just one time,” says Jordan.

Illinois is also now banning talking on a cell phone in a school or construction zone, unless you are using a hands-free device.

These violations will be treated as moving violations, with fines starting at $75.00.

For more information, including tips on how to help teens be better, safer drivers, call State Farm Agent Mike Jordan at 708-748-8848 and visit www.betterteendriving.com .


ARCHIVES