After Local Man’s Death, Hurley Calls for Dealerships to Ensure Visibility in New Cars

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to the death of a local resident, state Rep. Fran Hurley is sponsoring a bill that would require car dealerships to remove large decals and paperwork from the windows off a car before it is driven off the lot.

“When cars are taken out for test drives, entire windows are often covered up by decals or sales information, significantly impairing a driver from clear visibility,” said Hurley. “This is a common-sense measure that ensures the safety of the driver, passengers and other motorists.”

Hurley is sponsoring House Bill 733, which would fine car dealerships that fail to remove large promotional material before vehicles are taken home or driven off the lot for test drives. A first offense could be punished by a fine of $50, with subsequent offenses increasing the amount of the penalty to as high as $500.

An initiative of Secretary of State Jesse White’s office, Hurley’s bill comes in response to the death of Brandan Burke, a resident of Mt. Greenwood who was hit and killed by an individual driving off a car dealership lot. “Bags for Burke,” a fundraiser to support a scholarship named in Burke’s honor, will be held on April 8, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., in Merrionette Park.

“It is my sincere hope that this legislation improves public safety and will prevent future accidents of this kind from happening,” said Hurley. “We must always be looking for ways to avoid tragic accidents, and I hope this goes on to make our streets safer.”