Springfield…The memory of Frankfort resident Lyndsey Whittingham was honored in Springfield late yesterday when House Bill 4050, which adds to the Taxi Safety Act of 2007 sponsored by State Representative Renée Kosel (R-New Lenox), passed overwhelmingly out of committee.

On October 28 2006, Whittingham, at the age of 23, was struck and killed by a taxi cab in Chicago.  The taxi driver who hit her was only issued two citations: one for driving too fast for conditions and the other for pedestrian in roadway – due care. 

House Bill 4050 requires taxi drivers to be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver’s license issued in the United States for at least three years, and must not have been convicted of certain offenses during the immediately preceding three-year period.  If these regulations are violated, the taxi driver must refrain from operating a cab until certain conditions are met. 

“The City of Chicago tried to block this bill because they refuse to be bound by minimal safety standards.  Although they tried to block it again this year, I was successful in advancing it through the Committee.  These are basic common sense safety measures,” Rep. Kosel said.   

“In 2007, I successfully enacted the Taxi Safety Act which implemented necessary safety measures for taxi drivers to follow.  Lyndsey Whittingham was a beautiful young woman whose life was cut short due to a careless taxi driver.  I strongly believe that those who are employed in the public transportation sector must be held to a higher standard,” Rep. Kosel said. 

The Taxi Safety Act of 2007 implemented mandatory drug and alcohol testing for a taxi driver who is involved in an accident with a pedestrian which results in bodily injury.    It also requires that all taxi drivers display their identification in the vehicle and a phone number for passengers to report unsafe driving.    

 ”I am very proud of The Taxi Safety Act and look forward to seeing these new additions become law.  This is an important public safety issue, not just for the Whittingham family, but for all Illinois residents,” Rep. Kosel said.