Article updated: 4/21/2011 6:35 PM

‘It’s an epidemic’ Distracted driver opponents want tougher laws

Buy this photo Buy this photo
next prev 2 of 4
   

Organizers of a summit in Addison called for tougher laws to stop drivers from using cellphones while driving.

Jeff Knox | Staff Photographer

Gallery Image

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood

AP File Photo

In 2006, Chuck and Gloria Wilhelm lost their son Matthew, who was riding his bike and was killed by a driver who was looking for ring tones on her cellphone. They attended the Illinois Distracted Driving Summit, held at the Shriners Conference Center in Addison.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

John Cullerton, Illinois Senate president, addresses the Illinois Distracted Driving Summit, held at the Shriners Conference Center in Addison.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

About this Article

A moment’s thoughtlessness can equal a lifetime of suffering, victims of distracted driving testified Thursday at a summit in Addison. And they challenged legislators to enact tougher laws to prevent people from yakking on cell phones while behind the wheel.

Related Content

Road signs a reminder to a life lost to distracted driving