Promotion of Distraction-Free Driving.

With sponsorship support from GEICO, Illinois Tollway oases are recognized as Safe Phone Zones. The program includes signage along the Tollway that will encourage drivers to pull into these safe, convenient locations to use their cellphones for calling, texting and accessing mobile apps. Unlike the efforts to date that warn against distracted driving and encourage focused driving, this new program promotes safe places for drivers to use their mobile devices. The Safe Phone Zones offer ample seating and free Wi-Fi inside the oasis pavilions along the Illinois Tollway.

The Announcement.

On April 13, 2017, iStar Financial Inc. in cooperation with the Illinois Tollway introduced GEICO as the new sponsor of the Illinois Tollway oases Safe Phone Zones. As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, GEICO joined iStar Financial in reminding motorists of the three types of driving distractions: visual, manual and cognitive. Illinois passed statewide legislation banning the use of hand-held devices in January 2014. Safe Phone Zones at Tollway oases mark a combined effort of the two entities to combat distracted driving.

Illinois Tollway.

We want Tollway customers

to arrive safely at their destinations.

The State's Commitment.

“With the increased use of electronic devices, distracted driving has become a serious issue in our state and in the nation. My goal as the Secretary of State is to make the roads of Illinois the safest ever. We have worked towards creating safer roadways by initiating tough laws that ban texting while driving as well as prohibiting talking on a handheld device in school zones and construction zones. I commend the Illinois Tollway... for their efforts to provide safe phone zones for drivers.”

– Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White

The Sponsor's Commitment.

“Safe Phone Zones in Illinois could help prevent the growing number of injuries and fatalities caused by distracted driving. GEICO is proud to partner with iStar Financial Inc. and the Illinois Tollway system to provide these Safe Phone Zones throughout the state where drivers can safely take a break and carry out their phone calls and check their texts and emails.”

– Don Robinson, GEICO vice president of Midwest operations