West Central Reporter

A new law aims to educate new drivers about vehicles hauling hazardous materials. The legislation was filed by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) in response to a deadly accident in the 54th Senate District.

The accident involved a tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia that tragically killed five people and injured eleven. The new legislation was filed at the request of Effingham County officials and is designed to educate drivers about the dangers of hazardous materials that vehicles are transporting on Illinois roadways.

“The goal is to decrease the number of accidents involving vehicles with hazardous materials,” said Senator McClure. “The more information young drivers have about these vehicles, the better. All drivers need to be aware that even minor accidents with these vehicles can have deadly consequences.”

Senate Bill 3406, filed by McClure in the Senate and sponsored by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer in the House, requires the Illinois Secretary of State to include education on hazardous material placards in the Rules of the Road publication, which is used to educate students in driver education classes. The aim of the legislation is to educate drivers so that they know when hazardous materials are being transported on the roads with them.

SB3406 was signed by the Governor on August 9.