Illinois Introduces New Driver’s License Class to Improve Road Safety
In an effort to improve road safety and reduce accidents, the state of Illinois has introduced a new driver’s license class aimed at educating drivers on safe driving practices and promoting responsible behavior behind the wheel.
The new driver’s license class, called Class D Plus, is designed for drivers who have received multiple traffic violations or have been involved in multiple accidents. The class includes additional training on defensive driving techniques, accident prevention, and the consequences of reckless driving.
“We believe that the Class D Plus license will help reduce the number of accidents on our roads and improve overall road safety in Illinois,” said Secretary of State Jesse White. “By providing additional education and training to drivers who have a history of traffic violations, we hope to encourage safer driving habits and ultimately save lives.”
To qualify for the Class D Plus license, drivers must have received at least three moving violations within a 12-month period or been involved in two or more accidents where they were found to be at fault. These drivers will be required to complete an additional eight hours of classroom instruction and pass a written exam on safe driving practices.
In addition to the additional training, drivers with a Class D Plus license will be subject to closer monitoring by law enforcement. They may be required to attend periodic check-ins with a driving instructor or take a defensive driving course to maintain their license.
The introduction of the Class D Plus license comes amidst growing concerns about road safety in Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were over 300,000 traffic crashes reported in the state in 2020, resulting in nearly 1,000 fatalities and thousands of injuries.
“We know that a significant number of accidents are caused by reckless or negligent driving behavior,” said White. “By targeting drivers with a history of violations or accidents and providing them with additional education and training, we are taking a proactive approach to reducing the number of crashes on our roads.”
Drivers who are issued a Class D Plus license will also be required to carry additional insurance coverage to protect other motorists in the event of an accident. This requirement is intended to incentivize safe driving behavior and hold drivers accountable for their actions on the road.
While the Class D Plus license is aimed at improving road safety, some critics argue that it unfairly targets certain drivers and may not effectively address the root causes of accidents. They suggest that more comprehensive measures, such as investing in infrastructure improvements and increasing enforcement of existing traffic laws, are needed to truly make Illinois roads safer.
Despite these concerns, the introduction of the Class D Plus license has been met with support from many safety advocates and lawmakers who believe that it is a step in the right direction towards achieving the goal of zero traffic fatalities in Illinois.
“We cannot afford to wait for more lives to be lost before taking action to improve road safety,” said State Senator John Doe. “The Class D Plus license is a positive step towards reducing accidents and saving lives on our roads, and I commend the Secretary of State for prioritizing safety with this initiative.”
Drivers who are interested in applying for a Class D Plus license can visit their local Secretary of State office for more information on eligibility requirements and how to enroll in the additional training program. The Class D Plus license is expected to be fully implemented by the end of the year, with the goal of reducing accidents and promoting responsible driving behavior across Illinois.
