Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced two new laws that took effect Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Both measures establish tougher penalties for drivers who seriously injure others while texting and driving and for drivers who cause severe injury to pedestrians.
Said White, “Drivers who are negligent by texting and driving or disregarding pedestrians are putting others in grave danger. I urge drivers never to text while driving and to always be mindful of yielding to pedestrians. White also reminds drivers to be safe during the Fourth of July weekend. “Celebrate the holiday weekend safely and responsibly by not driving distracted or impaired.”
Public Act 101-0090 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) by establishing a 12-month License Suspension and minimum fine of $1000 for a motorist who, while texting and driving, causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement to another person.
Public Act 101-0470 (referred to as Mason’s Law) amends the IVC by establishing a 12-month License Suspension for a motorist who, while violating the right-of-way at crosswalks and in school zones, causes serious injury to another person.
“Distracted driving and the safety of pedestrians remain among our biggest challenges to get the number of traffic deaths where it should be–Zero,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “I thank Gov. J. B. Pritzker for signing the bills. These laws will make drivers think twice about the life-and-death decisions they make behind the wheel.”