The evils of cell phones usage in Illinois. It is currently not illegal to use your cell phone except for the following: school zones, highway construction zones; novice drivers or the city of Chicago.
But more and more employers are prohibiting workers from using cell phones while utilizing company cars. Some employers have penalties as severe as dismissal.
The reasons for these extreme actions, is in part due to the mounting litigation against companies whose drivers are found at fault in crashes. Lawyers always look for the money in these situations.
Now there are new federal rules are a factor as well. Commercial drivers can be fined up to $2,750
for using phones while driving, and their firms can be docked as much as $11,000.
The rules may need clarification for the use of “Blue Tooth” devices that allow for hands free talking. I have a client that has pointed out the women in Deerfield don’t seem to be able to afford these devices; because they all seem to be driving with one hand to their ear at all time. After he made this declaration, I started looking more closely and it appears to be true. What were they doing in their cars 10-15 years ago, when there where no cell phones?