By Emily Ravnikar
IV Leader Staff, Feb. 4, 2010
With the ringing of a new year still fresh in our brains, there is much to look forward to: a new beginning, new resolutions, new friends and hopefully a fresh start.
On the other hand, there are a few things that citizens of Illinois should watch out for this new year; new laws that went into effect at the beginning of the year.
One of the main laws that probably affects the young adult crowd the most is a ban on texting while driving.
Many believe that texting and cell phone use is a distraction that not only takes your eyes off the road, but often takes more than one hand to do.
The new law is a primary offense that will have to be enforced. That means police will be able to pull over drivers for texting behind the wheel, similar to the power they have if motorists fail to wear a seat belt.
Although many are pleased with this new law and think it will make the roads a safer place, many disagree with the new law, calling it unnecessary and a little ridiculous.
IVCC student Kyle Pogue said, “I think that the new law is kind of stupid. People won’t risk death by staring at their phone.
“I think most people know how to glance at their phone and pay more attention to the road. However, there are some very stupid people out there.”
The texting ban is only one of the new driving regulations.
Drivers across the state won’t be legally able to talk on cell phones while in construction and school zones, unless they’re using an earpiece.
Truckers can now drive on the interstate up to 65 mph, the same speed limit for other vehicles.
The state also is cracking down on uninsured drivers, making it a misdemeanor to injure someone while driving without insurance. For that offense, violators could spend up to a year in jail or face a $2,500 fine.