Pass law to ban texting while driving

We live in a "wired world." Although technology has enabled us with instant communication, we must always put safety first. There is no place for text messaging while you're driving. Drivers must devote their full attention and both hands to driving. Those instant messages must wait until you're in a safe situation to send, receive and process information. Even walking on a busy street can be dangerous if you're watching your keypad and not watching the world around you.

Family physicians urge everyone to put safety first, and put the phone down. I urge the Illinois General Assembly to pass House Bill 71, which would make it illegal to send and receive any text messages while driving. I also commend Rep. John D'Amico and Secretary of State Jesse White for their leadership on this issue.

Texting while driving can result in death and serious injury not only to the driver of a vehicle but also to others on the road. Seven states - Alaska, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington - as well as the District of Columbia already have bans on text messaging while driving because of the risk to public safety. Illinois should be next, and family physicians are proud to help lead the effort to keep everyone safe.

John W. Sage

Mount Prospect