Tollway eying restrictions on texting

Texting while driving on Illinois tollways is coming under scrutiny by leaders with the state agency.

With new data out this week on the dangers of distracted driving, Illinois State Toll Highway Authority officials asked staff Thursday to explore what the tollway could do to restrict texting, particularly in construction zones.

Director Betty-Ann Moore, who suggested the move, said the thought of motorists multi-tasking while construction crews are at work was a "frightening concept."

Acting Executive Director Michael King promised to pull together some options for the board to consider soon.

Drivers also should realize they have the option of pulling into oases if they need to text, said Moore, who is Libertyville Township supervisor.

Director James Roolf, who represents Will County, said the tollway already has the ability to warn motorists against texting using its electronic message system.

Tuesday, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute released study results showing that car drivers who dial on a cell phone are 2.8 times more likely to be in a crash compared to non-distracted drivers.

In a survey of trucks, Virginia Tech found the risk of a crash while reaching for or using an electronic device was 6.7 times as high compared to a non-distracted driver. Researchers also concluded that text messaging while driving a truck makes the risk of a crash or near-crash 23.2 times as high.

Using cell phones with headsets can also be distracting, the study showed.

In January, the Itasca-based National Safety Council called for a ban on cell phones and messaging devices while driving. It referenced a Harvard Center of Risk Analysis study indicating that talking on cell phones contributes to 6 percent of crashes. Congress also debated the issue Wednesday, introducing legislation to ban texting while behind the wheel.