Evanston Sees 17% Drop in Roadway Crashes From 2009 to 2012

Evanston has seen a drop in motor vehicle crashes since passing an ordinance banning hand-held cell phones while driving in January 2010, according to a press release. 

"The enforcement efforts by Evanston Police since the enactment of the hands-free driving ordinance have clearly shown that eliminating the usage of a hand-held device while operating a motor vehicle reduces accidents, which in turn makes our streets safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists," said Evanston Police Cmdr. Jason Parrott. 

Data collected by the Evanston Police Department shows a 17 percent drop in all roadway crashes from 2009 through 2012, with 416 fewer roadway crashes during that period. Injury crashes also dropped 14.5 percent from 2009 through 2012. 

Over the last three years, the Evanston Police Department has issued more than 7,000 tickets to motorists driving while also operating a hand-held device. The ordinance imposes a $50 fine, with an additional potential penalty of $200 if the cell phone violation is implicated in an auto crash.  

Illinois law bans texting while driving statewide and has banned cell phone use in school and construction zones, by those under 19 years of age and those with a learner’s permit, as well as school bus drivers.  

Some other area municipalities that have joined Evanston in seeking to curb distracted driving include Chicago, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Waukegan and Glencoe. These municipalities now have some form of ban on cell phone use while driving.

Statewide, there are now 76 communities that ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

Evanston's ordinance also bans texting while driving and prohibits web browsing or listening to voice mail while driving. The city ordinance permits drivers to talk on the phone while driving if they use a hands-free device.