Toughen up distracted driving laws

We have opined several times in this space on the dangers of distracted driving. But as Secretary of State Jesse White and other transportation leaders wrote to us recently, the problem isn’t going away.

The National Safety Council estimates that at least 28 percent of all traffic crashes — at least 1.6 million a year — are linked to motorists talking or texting on cellphones. Driving and talking on a cellphone increases the risk of crashing by four times. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was in Addison last week for a distracted driving summit and rightfully said the problem was an “epidemic.”

“People think they can use these anywhere,” LaHood said, holding up a Blackberry.

But they can’t. And we agree with those at the summit who want tougher laws in Illinois.

Last year, the state banned texting while driving and also prohibited cellphone use while in school or construction zones and by drivers under age 19. But that isn’t enough. A statewide ban on cellphone use — or, at least, a hands-free law like the one passed in Chicago — is warranted.

“We need to work on it and gain support,” said state Rep. John D’Amico. “There is some opposition. The texting law seemed like common sense, but a lot of people voted against it.”

Even more surprising is the lack of a strong law when negligent driving causes a fatality. Advocates are calling for a law that makes it a misdemeanor.

Among those advocates are Chuck and Gloria Wilhelm. Their son, Matthew, 25, was killed in 2006 while cycling in downstate Illinois when a teenage driver veered off the road as she downloaded ringtones for her phone.

Drivers, wake up! Ringtones, texts, that call home all can wait until you are off the road and not a danger to others.

“The only way to live with a broken heart is to make sure people understand the way they use cellphones doesn’t only endanger their lives but the lives of innocent people like Matt,” Gloria Wilhelm said at the Addison summit.

In addition to tougher laws, we applaud efforts by LaHood at the national level and state transportation leaders like White who continue to bang the drum with awareness campaigns. Illinois has launched a “Drive Now. Text Later.” campaign at www.illlinoistollway.com. How do they know awareness needs to be increased? An online survey indicated that 40 percent of drivers did not know it was illegal to text or email while driving on Illinois roads.

LaHood, meanwhile, is working with Consumer Reports to focus especially on teen use of handhelds while driving. Included is a brochure that gives tips to parents on how to set ground rules and to set a good example.

All these steps are needed to deal with this growing problem. It can’t be said enough.