Distracted Driving Task Force Final Report (July 2008)Comments by Chuck & Gloria regarding the Final Report We have personally talked to Secretary of State Jesse White and his staff on many occasions. He is very committed to many aspects of Matt's Law, and in December 2007, he invited us to present testimony at the task force meetings. This comprehensive final report is the result of expert professional testimony, in-depth study of current research, and the analysis of applicable data. Secretary Of State Jesse White and member of the task force recommended laws which would make Illinois roads among the safest in the nation. Illinois has been and will continue to be a pioneer in proposing stricter legislation regarding distracted driving. Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 127 bills related to driver distraction in this year alone! (National Conference of State legislatures-Wall Street Journal, Tuesday July 1, 2008.) We are very encouraged that the recommendations of the Task Force will be passed and new laws will be implemented in the near future. We believe many crashes are the result of drivers using interactive technology. Latest reports show "cell phone driving is so prevalent it is by far the most common cause of crashes" (Insurance Institute Report #29). Information from crash scenes has not been sufficiently collected and reported. According to the National Safety Council. A driver's first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle and the best practice is to not use cell phones while driving. When a driver decides that it is safe to use such a device while driving, it should be with the understanding that negligent drivers be held accountable when distracted driving results in the injury or death of others. Education alone is not enough to change behavior. Some drivers stop dangerous behavior voluntarily when they learn of the danger through education campaigns. Others only stop when they are forced by their employers who fear litigations (see Task Force Report p.4). So many people multitask and do not realize the limits of their attention.Multi-tasking drivers put innocent victims at risk. We have visited high schools, youth groups and community events.We worked with Parkland College to produce a distracted driving DVD and it is free to all high school classes. We have been featured in distracted driving TV specials including Fox News, NBC Nightly News, ABC Chicago,Chicago Tonight, and many times on CU stations. Billboards with Matt's picture and a distracted driving message were posted in Gibson City and Champaign-Urbana. MTD buses featured posters with Matt's picture and a message. We are trying very hard to change attitudes through education. Our three (3) goals of Matt's Law Coalition have been satisfied if the Task Force recommendations are enacted. With the widespread grass-roots support of our coalition, we have done our part. Now we need the legislature to follow these recommendations and protect innocent people.Laws have not kept pace with technology (per Rep Bill Black). No one has the right to intentionally put any one else at risk while on the road.We must hold drivers responsible and make them accountable. Finally, we would like to thank Representative Bill Black and Senator Michael Frerichs for their strong support and leadership on this Distracted Driving Task Force. 07/07/08
Submenu
|