Governor Quinn and Secretary of State White Urge Drivers to Avoid Using Cell Phones in Work Zones

Press Release

Governor Quinn and Secretary of State White Urge Drivers to Avoid Using Cell Phones in Work Zones

Governor Pat Quinn and Secretary of State Jesse White today reminded motorists it is against the law in Illinois to use a cell phone while driving in construction zones.

Over 1.5 million Illinois residents will be taking to the roads over the Memorial Day holiday weekend and distracted driving greatly adds to the risk of those working or driving within summertime construction zones. Last year, 31 people were killed in construction zone crashes, including five who were construction workers.

"In Illinois, we are cracking down on distracted driving," said Governor Quinn. "During these busy summer travel and construction months, it is especially important that people hang up their cell phones and focus in work zones in order to ensure the safety of workers and other families on the road."

Electronic message boards will be located throughout the state's highways reminding motorists not to use cell phones in construction zones. Permanent LED message boards will be stationed above interstates will also convey this important distracted driving message.

"We want to remind drivers to put down their cell phones when they are approaching construction zones," said Secretary of State White. "Memorial Day weekend marks the start of heavy summer travel which happens to coincide with the construction season. We are urging drivers to slow down, pay special attention to their surroundings when construction workers are present, and avoid talking on cell phones."

Last fall Governor Quinn signed a law initiated by Secretary White, which took effect this year, banning the use of cell phones in construction zones as well as school zones. Additional legislation signed into law last August bans text messaging while driving on all roads. The penalty for violating either measure is a moving violation that will go on the motorist's driving record as well as fines and court costs to be determined by the judge.

"Every time a driver takes their eyes or their focus off the road - even for a minute - they put their lives and the lives of others in danger," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "We are pleased to be among states that have outlawed texting and driving and we are confident it will lead to fewer crashes and fatalities in Illinois."

Memorial Day is a heavily traveled holiday weekend. This year, AAA projects holiday travel will increase more than 5 percent, with almost 28 million people traveling by motor vehicle. Holiday travel in Illinois will increase 8.3 percent over last year, according to AAA, with the vast majority of travelers driving.

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