Our friends at NBC 5 have helped compile a list of everything that is changing for those behind the wheel this year.

One of the biggest changes, which could affect you after a collision, is an increase in the use of the word “crash” instead of “accident”. Personal injury attorney Lance D. Northcutt noted, “As a personal injury attorney, we see far too many crashes caused by drunk or distracted driving. We often make an effort here at the firm to not use the word ‘accident’ in these types of situations that would have been avoidable had a driver taken proper care behind the wheel. It is encouraging to see lawmakers acknowledging that these incidents are preventable.”

Outside of that, changes include:

HB3772: Relief for Victims of Carjackings, Stolen Vehicles

As carjackings continue to rise across Illinois, lawmakers approved a bill in the spring that makes it so “a person shall not be liable for violations, fees, fines, or penalties during the period in which the motor vehicle was reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency as stolen or hijacked.”

In order to be reimbursed for fees paid after the vehicle was reported stolen or hijacked, such as for impounding fees, “the owner or the agents of the owner or lessee must submit proof that a report concerning the motor vehicle was filed with a law enforcement agency in a timely manner.”

Still, towing and storage fees can only be reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,000.

SB03793: School Zone Changes

This new law will add community service as a penalty for failing to stop for a school bus that is “receiving or discharging pupils and has displayed visual signals,” or for speeding in excess of 20 miles per hour or more in a school zone or while traveling on a roadway on public school property or where children pass to go to and from school.

SB03216: Clarifications to Illinois Vehicle Code

Under this new law, Illinois Vehicle Code is amended to add that a licensed physical therapist “can verify that a person is a person with disabilities.”

HB04716: Changes to Drivers Education Standards

Under this bill, the course content and learning standards for drivers education will instead be based on the national Novice Teen Driver Education and Training Administrative Standards. This will replace the current structure, which requires the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to adopt standards for those under the age of 18.

A full list can be found here.