SPRINGFIELD | For the second year in a row, the Illinois House approved legislation that would ban the use of hand-held cellphones while driving a car.
The measure, approved Friday on a 64-46 vote, is designed to limit distractions that could cause accidents.
State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, who sponsored the legislation, said drivers using a hand-held cellphone are eight times more likely to be in an accident.
Illinois already bans texting while driving, and 76 communities across the state have some restrictions on use of hand-held cellphones while driving. D’Amico said drivers still would be able to talk on the phone as long as they use a hands-free device or speaker phone.
Opponents said the proposed law is too intrusive.
“Where does it stop? Should we go ahead and take radios out of our cars?” asked state Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro.
The legislation now moves to the Illinois Senate for further action.
The measure is House Bill 1247.
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