- Published: Tuesday, March 12, 2019 05:46 PM
SPRINGFIELD – Distracted drivers who cause a fatal accident and flee the scene face tougher penalties under new legislation by State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).
“Distracted driving is potentially fatal and entirely avoidable. We need to send the message that this isn’t acceptable,” said Crowe.
Crowe’s measure would add an aggravating factor to sentencing considerations for those who cause an accident by being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or distracted by an electronic communication device and then flee the scene.
Aggravating factors can influence a court’s decision to include an imprisoning sentence or increase the chance for a more severe sentence.
“Fleeing the scene of an accident is irresponsible, potentially fatal for an injured person at the scene and can slow down the efforts of investigators. We need to discourage it,” Crowe said.
Senate Bill 1750 was approved by the Senate Criminal Law Committee today and goes to the full Senate for further debate.
