“Losing a loved one is a stressful emotional situation, and reckless irresponsibility only makes the victims family and friends suffer more. – Sen. Emil Jones III

CHICAGO – Today, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) saw legislation he sponsored signed into law. The new law creates restrictions to prevent reckless driving during funeral processions.

“Funerals are a time for loved ones to celebrate the life of the deceased,” Jones said. “I don’t know how we got to this point in our culture when a law needs to be in place for us to respect the lives of those killed by reckless gang violence.”

Last September, the Chicago Tribune offered a telling exposé of this issue, detailing the irresponsible weaving in and out of traffic lanes, blaring music and gang signs/gestures thrown out of car windows accompanying memorials for deceased gang members.

“This measure protects grieving mothers and fathers while morning the loss of their loved one,” Jones said. “Losing a loved one is a stressful emotional situation, and reckless irresponsibility only makes the victims family and friends suffer more.”

Residents of the South Side communities of Mount Greenwood and Beverly have been particularly vocal in expressing their concern for public safety and frustration with these reckless memorials for late gang members.

The new law takes effect immediately.