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Health & Fitness

D'Amico Urges Governor to Sign Legislation Aimed at Making our Roads Safer

Continuing his efforts to reduce fatalities and make Illinois roads safer, State Rep. John D’Amico (D-Chicago) is urging the governor to sign three bills designed to increase safety for motorists across the state. "In the first five months of this year, there have been nearly 400 traffic fatalities on Illinois’ roadways and these measures aim to reduce the number of these tragedies,” D’Amico said. “This does not include hundreds of others who have been injured while traveling. These proposals will go a long way to protect the men, women, and children who use our roads every day.” House Bill 1009, also known as Kelsey’s law, strengthens the state’s graduated driver’s license (GDL) program. Under D’Amico’s legislation, a person under the age of 18 would be prohibited from obtaining a driver’s license if they caused serious injury to another party while driving. The measure 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. House Bill 1010, known as Patricia’s Law, aims to prevent individuals who have caused the death of another person through a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code from being eligible for court supervision. D’Amico is also the chief sponsor of House Bill 1247, which prohibits drivers from using hand-held electronic devices, including cell phones. The bill would require drivers to use a headset and operate electronic devices in hands-free mode, and will help law enforcement officials crack down on distracted driving. Seventy-six communities currently have cell phone use bans. This bill would provide uniformity across the state. “Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous activities that occur on our roads,” D’Amico said. “By requiring drivers to use hands-free communication, many lives will be saved from injury and even death. I urge the governor to sign this legislation and to join me in protecting motorists across Illinois.” D’Amico’s legislation passed both houses and is now awaiting Governor’s action. For more information, contact Rep. D’Amico’s constituent service office at (773) 736-0218.

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