D'Amico Highlights Highway Safety Laws That Have Made Illinois Roads Safer

A long time champion of transportation safety, State Rep. John D’Amico is pleased to report that Illinois has been ranked as one of the top states for highway safety in the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety’s 2014 Road Map Highway Safety Report.

“I worked hard to make improving road safety a priority in our state,” D’Amico said.  “Due to our efforts, Illinois has been rated one of the top two states in the nation for its traffic safety laws and the progress made to ensure that all Illinois motorists are well-trained and qualified to be on our roads.”

Last year, D’Amico sponsored House Bill 1009, also known as Kelsey’s law, which strengthens the state’s graduated driver’s license (GDL) program.  Under this new law, a person under the age of 18 is prohibited from obtaining a driver’s license if they caused serious injury to another party while driving.  The law also allows a court to invalidate any driver’s license or learning permit if the holder is found to have contributed to a severe injury or traffic fatality.

To further protect Illinois motorists, D’Amico sponsored House Bill 1247, which prohibits drivers from using hand-held electronic devices like cell phones.  The law, which went into effect on January 1, 2014, requires drivers to use a headset and operate electronic devices in hands-free mode, and will help law enforcement officials crack down on distracted driving.

“Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous activities occurring on our roads,” D’Amico said.  “Illinoisans should be proud of the significant strides we have made to prevent it.”

For more information, contact Rep. D’Amico’s constituent service office at (773) 736-0218.