7 on the Streets: Texting and driving

CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC7 is on the streets getting answers to your traffic questions and concerns. Many viewers messaged Roz Varon about texting and driving, a dangerous habit.

"I see people in cars texting and causing accidents," said Juan RObles, a truck driver. "The law needs more enforcement, like DUI. Texting is worse than DUI!"

Roz and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White took a closer look at the law.

"Sometimes people think, 'That's going to happen to someone else, but it's not going to happen to me.' That's bad thinking," White said.

In 2010, Illinois passed a law banning texting while driving, along with a ban on hand-held cell phones in school and construction zones. In 2014, the law was expanded to include a statewide ban on hand-held cell phones. Since then, officers have handed out 61,000 tickets for violating that law.

The first offense for texting while driving is a $75 fine. The second offense is a $100 fine and a moving violation.

Some people, like Brandon Collura, said more drivers would comply if the fines were steeper or there were stiffer rules or penalties.

"Some members of the Illinois General Assembly are looking at that as well. I support that effort," White said.

Some drivers just aren't willing to give up the habit. Rebecca Thomas, another Chicago driver, said the habit is addicting.

Illinois State Police said from 2009 to 2013, more than 6,000 crashes occurred because of distracted driving involving a cell phone. Thirty-three of those crashes were deadly.

Transportation officials said with a combination of fines and safety campaigns, they hope to change the mindset on texting and driving.

Investigators compare laws about texting while driving to seat belt laws.

When seat belt laws took effect in 1985, only 16 percent of Illinois drivers wore a seat belt. In one year, that rose to 36 percent. Now, Illinois has about 94 percent compliance.