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Health & Fitness

D'Amico Legislation to Protect Illinois Motorists Becomes Law

Three pieces of legislation introduced by State Rep. John D’Amico (D-Chicago) to reduce traffic accidents were signed into law yesterday.

“When we get behind the wheel, we have a responsibility to others to be safe drivers,” D’Amico said. “One of the most dangerous things we can do is allow unsafe drivers on our roads. These new laws will help ensure that all motorists are trained and qualified to drive.”

House Bill 1009, also known as Kelsey’s law, strengthens the state’s graduated driver’s license (GDL) program. Under this new law, a person under the age of 18 would be prohibited from obtaining a driver’s license if they caused serious injury to another party while driving. The measure also allows a court to invalidate any driver’s license or learning permit if the holder is found to have contributed to a severe injury or traffic fatality.

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D’Amico’s House Bill 1010, known as Patricia’s Law, aims to prevent individuals who have caused the death of another person through a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code from being eligible for court supervision. 

The governor also signed D’Amico-sponsored House Bill 772. This legislation institutes a graduated driver’s license program for young people between the ages of 18 and 20, requiring first time applicants to complete an online driver’s education course. This six-hour course would include information on traffic laws, highway signs, and other common issues encountered while driving.

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“This year there have already been over 500 traffic fatalities in Illinois,” D’Amico said. “Many of these deaths and accidents could have been prevented if people received the proper training and did not drive while distracted. I will continue to fight for legislation to crack down on distracted driving and do everything I can to make our roads safer.”

D’Amico is the chairman of the House Transportation Vehicles and Safety Committee. For more information, please contact D’Amico’s constituent service office at 773-736-0218. 

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