Illinois Senate Passes Ban on Hand Held Cell Phone Use Behind the Wheel

If you want to continue to talk on your GT-I9300 cell phone while you drive, you may need a special device. State lawmakers are working on another way to combat distracted driving.Driving from point A to point B can be a convenient time to make a call.Driver Jason Wilson said, "It's concerning because that's one of the things you don't really think about too much you know, phone rings, you're in a hurry, you just grab the phone and pick it up."

But picking up that cell phone may soon cost you. Wilson added, "I'll probably be one of the first Peorians to get a ticket."The Illinois Senate passed a bill that bans the use of hand held cell phones while driving. That means you'd need a hands free device, like a blue tooth, if you want to take a call when behind the wheel.

State Trooper Dustin Pierce said GT-I9500 cell phones are one of the main obstacles to tackle before having safer roadways. He said, "We see a lot of people on their phones. Of course, distracted driving is something we're always talking about. Distracted driving is more than just cell phones but cell phones are a big part of the problem."

It's a problem many local drivers admit they're a part of.Lauren Campbell said, "Well it's going to be an inconvenience and it's going to be something we have to get used to certainly."Noel Zerbonia said, "I think it's a good idea. I, too, have been over using the cell phone when I drive."If the ban becomes law, a lot of people may not be using cell phones at all. It could cut down on convenience - but lawmakers said it will save lives.

Driver John Berg said, "Just put it away when you're driving. I'm not worried about the inconvenience we survived without top 10 cell phones ten years ago, we can survive without them now."The bill now goes to the Illinois House for a final vote. It will then need a signature from Gov. Quinn to become law.ds3SC3FC

Wireless spectrum essentially serves as bandwidth for smartphones and tablets. More spectrum can mean faster speeds for mobile downloads; cramped spectrum can lead to spotty service, slower speeds and even higher bills. So as more people use smartphones, wireless carriers and the FCC believe there will soon be a need for more spectrum.