Driving safety continues to be an important issue being examined by legislators and citizens alike. The 2012 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws shows the many gaps in traffic safety laws across the country. This report used a group of laws to evaluate states, most of which encompassed motorcycle helmet, booster seat, and seat belt measures, as well as limitations and requirements for young drivers, texting bans and stricter impaired driving laws.
Many states passed new driver laws for the new year that relate to some of these areas.
Cell Phone Use
Distracted driving continues to be a top concern. 30 states have already banned or restricted drivers’ cell phone use in some way, with more continuing to do so. Text messaging while driving is illegal in a majority of the states.
• Beginning January 1st, 2012, commercial motor vehicle drivers in the state of Illinois are now prohibited from using their cell phone while driving. 
• Texting while driving is currently illegal in Wisconsin. Legislation is now being prepared that would ban drivers from using handheld devices including cell phones completely.
• There is currently a 2012 bill in the House of Representatives that, if passed, will outlaw text messaging among all drivers in Missouri. Currently, the ban applies to those 21 years of age and under.
Safety Measures
• Illinois passed legislation effective January 1st, 2012 that requires adult passengers in the backseat to wear a safety belt. Previously, adults in the front seat and children in the front or back were required to. Fines will now be given to backseat passengers not wearing a seatblet.
• In Minnesota, those getting their driver’s license must now be tested on their awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning. This law came into effect after a young man passed away while working on his car in an open garage. Cold air led to increased levels of carbon monoxide being emitted, causing him to be poisoned. The legislation was established in hopes of preventing similar situations in the future.
Additional Laws
• Another Illinois law that came into effect January 1st allows motorcyclists to proceed through red lights after waiting two minutes and checking to make sure they can cross safely. Called the “Dead Light” law, this was created due to motorcycles’ weight not activating traffic lights that use ground sensors.
Motor vehicle crashes cost society $230 billion annually. Many of the causes of these crashes are preventable. By being aware of the laws and legislation, as well as safety suggestions and precautions, we can all help reduce the number of accidents.
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