In an effort to make Chicago roads safer, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law three bills aimed at teen driving. According to a news article, two of the bills seek to make it more difficult for certain teenagers to obtain a drivers license, while the third would prohibit a judge from granting supervision to anyone who has been charged in a fatal accident – if they have been convicted or were previously placed on court supervision for another serious traffic violation.
There are many causes of traffic accidents. Of growing concern is the number of people, especially younger drivers, who drive while texting or talking on a cell phone. Unfortunately, too, many drivers still choose to operate a vehicle while impaired, either under the influence of alcohol, drugs or some other substance. And still, for whatever the reason, some drivers either inadvertently or purposely fail to observe traffic safety laws, placing everyone on the road around them at risk. If you or someone you know has been involved in a traffic accident of any sort, you could be entitled to compensation. It is important to contact a local injury attorney who can evaluate your case and work to achieve the best possible recovery for your injuries and losses.
Each of the three bills described above serve a distinct safety purpose. The first bill, dubbed “Patricia’s Law,” is named after a victim who was killed in a car accident involving a distracted driver who later only received a fine and court supervision. The purpose of the law is to prevent a driver from maintaining a record free of convictions simply by receiving and successfully completing court supervision. Such supervision often involves safety classes and fines. The law will take effect January 1, 2014.
The next piece of legislation would permit the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to deny the issuance of a permit or driver’s license to anyone who is 18 years of age or younger – who also has unresolved traffic tickets. The impetus for this law was an accident involving a teenager who was hit and seriously injured by a teen driving with a learner’s permit. The driver in this case was able to apply for and receive a driver’s license just three days after the accident. It is hoped that the law will keep Chicago roads and children safer, and takes effect immediately.
The third and final law addresses the issue of the importance of driver’s education courses. Under the measure, anyone between the ages of 18 and 21, who did not take a driver’s education class in high school, will be required to complete an adult driver’s education course in order to receive a driver’s license. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2014.
These are all laudable measures to protect the safety of people on Chicago roads. Even with these efforts, traffic accidents will continue to occur, but hopefully in decreasing numbers. People injured in car accidents often suffer serious, if not life threatening injuries, and even death. It is essential to contact a local injury attorney with experience handling car accident cases, as soon as possible after an incident takes place.