News & Trends

New Distracted Driving Law Limits Videoconferencing

Multitasking while driving has always been a dangerous gambit, and remote work has raised the stakes. Picture this: zooming down the highway, one hand on the wheel and the other on your mobile device in a video conference call. It's the perfect blend of work productivity and questionable decision-making!

In 2024, Illinois drivers will face new restrictions that prohibit them from being on video conference calls while behind the wheel. This type of law is rolling out across the US and includes popular apps such as Zoom.

Illinois Sen. Mike Halpin is one of the main sponsors of this bill. According to him, the prevalence of video conference calls has led to an increase in distracted driving incidents, prompting the need for new legislation.

Illinois State Police reported that in 2022 alone, they issued over 7,200 citations and 10,000 warnings for distracted driving. Additionally, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that from 2011 to 2022, over 32,000 individuals lost their lives in crashes related to distracted driving. These alarming figures highlight the urgency for stricter measures to address this issue.

The recently enacted law supplements the existing distracted driving regulations. Sen. Halpin clarified that it wouldn't affect phone calls as long as they are made using hands-free devices. This means that apps can still be used as long as they are in an audio-only mode. According to Halpin, the introduction of video conferencing while driving adds a new dimension to the problem, as it introduces a visual element that can cause further distractions. He believes that this legislation will instill greater awareness among drivers about the dangers of distraction, ultimately leading to a reduction in accidents and injuries on the road.