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House Bill 2910
provides that a person who holds an animal in the person’s lap
while operating a motor vehicle is guilty of a petty offense.
The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Jawaharial Williams, D-Chicago,
said pets aren’t covered under distracted driving laws.
“The new law would allow police officers to pull you over if
they see that you are driving with an animal in your lap,
whatever the animal may be,” Williams said.
Williams cited a AAA survey that showed that
31% of drivers with pets said they have been distracted by their
pets while driving, and 20% of drivers who have admitted to
driving with the pet on their lap have been involved in
accidents.
Offenders would be subject to a $50 fine. The measure moved out
of the transportation committee and is headed to the House
floor.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest. |
