Matt’s Law Coalition

“We thought Matt would change the world somehow. We just didn’t know how he would.”
— Chuck & Gloria Wilhelm, Matt’s parents

Matt’s Law is about 25-year-old Matt Wilhelm, a recent University of Illinois graduate and avid biker who was killed by a distracted driver in September 2006. The teenage driver completely left the roadway while downloading cell phone ring tones, hitting Matt with the driver side of her car.

Matt’s bicycle helmet, which his parents said he wore religiously, did not save him from the traumatic brain injuries that claimed his life days later.

When Matt’s parents spoke with the state trooper who handled the collision, he said, “Your son did everything right. He did nothing wrong.”

Because Illinois does not have a Negligent Vehicular Homicide law similar to 35 other states, the driver was only charged with improper lane usage, a petty offense with a maximum fine of $1,000.

Illinois needs a new law NOW! We also need more education in schools to reduce distracted driving. Every day, 4,300 crashes are caused by driving distractions in the U.S.