Illinois now bans texting while driving and imposes a fine of $75.  However, multiple law enforcement sources are commenting on the virtual impossibility of proving their case in court.  The Springfield Journal-Register is reporting here, that law enforcement right now can not determine people are texting and that State’s Attorneys are unwilling to subpoena the records to prove the case.  Once again Springfield has a law on the books that only complicates our lives instead of simplifying them.

In short the message here is having a qualified attorney there at the time your going to court could save you a mark on your record.

I would like to give Rep Jack D. Franks a little shout out. Rep. Franks a Democrat from Woodstock has taken to task the revenue from Red Light Cameras.  He introduced legislation (HB4686) that would lower the maximum fine from $100 to $50.  While I wish he would introduce legislation that ban these out right we can all agree that Springfield would not let that happen.  So here is to Rep. Franks and his effort to make driving a little easier in our state.

New Research is showing accident claims are not affected by bans on talking or texting on cell phones.  So the next question is with this knowledge what will lawmakers do now?  Will they come up with stricter penalties?  Roll back legislation?  or just leave them the same.  Either way this supports my belief that many lawmakers just pass laws that look good without really addressing underlying problems.

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