Texting while driving can be halted by ignition interlock systems
On behalf of of Frederick & Hagle posted in Car Accidents on Friday, April 19, 2013.
Many individuals in Illinois are aware that if a driver in Champaign or elsewhere across the state is convicted of drunk driving, a possible penalty is the court-ordered installation of an ignition interlock device. An ignition interlock system requires a driver to submit a breath sample before starting a vehicle. The breath sample must be below a certain BAC in order for the vehicle to start. This is obviously an effort on behalf of the courts to prevent repeat drunk driving, and to protect the safety of other roadway travelers across Illinois.
A similar system has been developed to combat against distracted driving from cellphone use and texting while driving. A company has developed an ignition interlock system in which a vehicle will not start until the driver has docked their cellphone in the system. Once the cellphone is docked, the driver is unable to use the phone while the vehicle is in motion. There are similar applications that will prevent a cellphone from being able to send or receive messages while a car is moving.
Texting while driving and related offense behind the wheel involving a cellphone are a serious source of catastrophic injuries and deaths on roadways across Illinois. Even though it is illegal to text behind the wheel in Illinois, drivers still do it regularly. These offenders fail to consider the safety risk this poses for both themselves and other innocent victims.
If a victim in Illinois if injured by a driver distracted behind the wheel, there could be compensatory and punitive damages available. It is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney in order to secure such financial compensation following a devastating injury caused by a negligent driver.
Source: USA Today, “Honk if you love apps that protect teen drivers,” Larry Copeland, April 8, 2013
