VOP Fall Winter 2014

BANNED DEVICES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE SAFE AND AVOID BREAKING THE LAW

As of January 1, 2014, a new law in Illinois bans the use of all hand-held devices while driving in Illinois. Village of Orland Park Police Traffic Unit Officer Phil Glacier said there is confusion among local motorists. “There have been many occasions where motorists hold their phones and talk with it on speaker,” explained Glacier. “Just because it’s on speaker doesn’t mean it’s not a violation, it can’t be held in your hand while you are behind the wheel.” Glacier also noted that motorists often indicate they are holding the phone for use with a GPS map. This is also a violation as the phone being held in hand is against the law. “It needs to be in a mount, out of the hands of motorists.” In addition, all cell phone use is prohibited while driving in a school zone, all cell phone use is prohibited while driving in a construction zone and all cell phone use is prohibited if you are a novice driver. A novice driver is a person under the age of 19 who holds an instruction permit or a person under the age of 19 who holds a graduated license. All Illinois drivers are prohibited from texting. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drivers using hand-held phones are four times more likely to get into a crash that causes injuries. Banned devices include, but are not limited to, the following: • Cell phones • Smartphones • Laptop computers • Tablet computers • All other electronic devices capable of connecting to the Internet or making audio or video recordings. Only hands-free technology such as vehicles equipped with hands-free speakerphones, Bluetooth devices, and headsets are permitted.

www.orlandpark.org | ORLAND PARK PUBLIC FALL/WINTER 2014 25