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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Extended cell-phone restriction sent to governor

Illinois drivers could soon be banned from talking on cell phones while going through an emergency zone. State lawmakers sent the measure to the governor Monday. 

Anytime an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, drivers would have to hang up and put their phone away. They also couldn't take pictures or video using their phones in an emergency zone.

The bill is sponsored by Democratic Representative Jerry Costello the Second of Smithton. He says drivers should be careful while navigating around emergency responders:

"I would challenge anyone who has not been a police officer or done a traffic stop, pull over on the Dan Ryan Expressway, put your hazards on, step outside of your car, and see how safe you feel."

The emergency zone would extend 500 feet around the scene, and violators would have to pay a $75 fine.