FRANKFORT – Illinois drivers are coming under more pressure to stay off their cellphones as a result of new measures Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law Friday, including one that bans using a mobile device to take photos near an emergency scene.

Three of the four new laws confront the problem of drivers becoming distracted by talking or texting on their
cellphones, something U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has called a “national epidemic.” LaHood, a former Illinois congressman, and other federal officials have been calling on states to crack down on distracted driving, which studies have shown is a particularly acute problem among teenage and young adult drivers.

“These new laws will protect children and families and prevent dangerous trends such as speeding and distracted driving,” Quinn said.