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Lawmakers target distracted driving, but must first define it

Posted March 11, 2008 11:00 pm

Meagan Sexton

In an attempt to curb distractions behind the wheel, such as text messaging while driving, state lawmakers are finding it difficult to accurately define what exactly distracted driving is.

But sending text messages, changing clothes, applying makeup and reading a newspaper or map would be the types of things banned for motorists under legislation Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Sycamore, proposed Wednesday to a House committee.

Members of the House Drivers Education and Safety Committee deadlocked when they voted on the bill, but Pritchard said later he isn't giving up on it.

"A lot of people can do multiple tasks at once and operate their vehicle safely," Pritchard said. "Other people can be distracted by simply changing the station on a radio. What we tried to do is limit this (distracted driving) to four of the most egregious as reported by the state police."

Sen. Pamela Althoff, R-McHenry, believes that while distracted driving is relevant to today's society, it is a difficult issue to address.

Numerous accidents can be attributed to distracted drivers, she said, citing the death of Matthew Wilhelm. The 25-year-old Peorian was riding a bicycle near Urbana in September 2006 and died after being struck from behind by a driver who was downloading ring tones onto her cell phone.

"As we discovered over the past several years, technology is advancing very rapidly," Althoff said. "We have issues we never anticipated. We try to multi-task at every opportunity, and we forget that vehicles can be weapons."

Althoff said lawmakers are grappling with the details of how to write legislation that would outlaw districted driving. For instance, would it cover parents who, while driving, turn around to scold their children?

She added that she doesn't have the answer, but legislators are working to identify one.

"The best possible way to deal with the issue is to start early and educate children on what appropriate and responsible driving is, and unfortunately that takes time," she said. "Children need to know as much as a telephone is a necessity today, there are appropriate moments to use them."

Last year, Senate Bill 1557 was signed into law. It requires driver-education courses to include classroom instruction on "distracted driving as a major traffic safety issue."

Meanwhile, a task force headed by Secretary of State Jesse White has been hearing public testimony on the problem of distracted driving. The panel is to meet for the third and final time in April, but the time and location have yet to be determined.

The secretary of state's office hopes to begin drafting a report for legislators after the April meeting. White wants the report to be completed before the panel's July 1 deadline.

"One component that Secretary White wants incorporated into the legislation is something that will prohibit sending text messages while driving," said Henry Haupt, spokesman for White.

Meagan Sexton can be reached at (217) 782-6882.

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