WASHINGTON-The Chicago City Council voted to prohibit drivers from using hand-held mobile phones, an action that could to lead to a push for a statewide ban in Illinois.
The handheld ban goes into effect July 8. Violators face $50 fines. The fine rises to $200 if a violator is involved in a traffic accident.
New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia have enacted laws making hand-held cell phone use by drivers illegal, while permitting hands-free cellular calls. Other states are considering similar laws.
However, some studies show such hands-free devices do not improve road safety because drivers continue to experience cognitive distraction. As a result, federal regulators have not championed the hands-fee alternative. Instead, they have focussed efforts on limiting distractions to young, inexperienced drivers.
