Cell Phone Use Banned for Teen Drivers

[GraceAbounds]

Cell Phone Use Banned for Teen Drivers


(AP) - SACRAMENTO, Calif.-A message from the state of California to its 16- and 17-year-olds: Dnt txt n drv - thx.
A law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday will require those teens to put down all cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Older drivers will be able to use hands-free devices but minors won't enjoy that luxury - in part because of the popularity of text-messaging among teens.


"The simple fact is that teenage drivers are more easily distracted. They are young, inexperienced and have a slower reaction time," Schwarzenegger said in a statement after he signed the legislation into law. "We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers."
The law barring cell phone use by drivers under 18 will take effect July 1, as will the law restricting cell phone use among older drivers, which the governor signed last year.
Violators will be fined $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. Both laws include exceptions for drivers who need to make emergency calls.
Schwarzenegger's signature means California joins 15 states and the District of Columbia in banning the use of wireless communication devices for teenage drivers. Nearly a dozen other states are considering similar action, according to the American Automobile Association.
The governor cited statistics by the California Highway Patrol that cell phone use is a primary cause of accidents caused by distracted drivers. He also referred to a Ford Motor Co. study saying teens are four times more likely to be distracted than adults by cell phone use.
A 2001 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 16-year-old drivers have a crash rate three times higher than that of 17-year-olds, five times greater than 18-year-olds and almost 10 times greater than drivers ages 30-59.

Cell Phone Use Banned for Teen Drivers

 

[Peter Parka]

You're not allowed to use them while driving, whatever your age over here! Seen too many people nearly cause an accident because the're too busy yacking on the phone to pay attention to the road!

 

[Mrs Behavin]

Good!

Im glad to hear that. I think thats a wise idea

 

[TheLightedPath]

Start a new motorcycle campaign. Don't Txt and Ride. I think it will be a hit.

 

[Jersey]

cant use them and drive here...

 

[TheOriginalJames]

Well lets see... I can be mistaken for a teenager while driving.

I'm on the road all day.

I use my phone to get and send calls for more work or to get information all day.

Yeah I can see this being a bad thing if Indiana does it.

Besides, now a cop has to sit there and look out for cell phones as if they don't have anything else to do?

Good try for safety reasons, but I don't think this'll be very highly enforced.

 

[Homer]

if seen as income they'll make a fortune.

 

[TheLightedPath]

Was watching a guy yesterday on his crotch rocket with a cellphone on one hand and one hand on the throttle. The thought that came into my was what happens if he has to slow down.

 

[Static]

Yeah, using cell phones while driving is against the law here, for any age. Get a rather big fine for it.

 

[GuesSAngel]

even though it's against the law in some places, doesn't mean anything is going to get better. People still do talk on their cells. The only time it's stopped is if you pass a cop.

 

[Homer]

some laws people bring upon them selves it had to happen, hell how hard is it to stop and make a call or talk , some people talk to damn much anyway.

 

[Dodge_Sniper]

Psh, that law can suck my left nut. I have damn good reaction times, and I'm not one of those kiddies that texts every 5 seconds. People always ask me, "Why do you never answer your cell-phone?!". Uhm, because I have a life

I do agree though, that the majority of teens are too into their electronic shit. Put it down, drive, and shut up.

some laws people bring upon them selves it had to happen, hell how hard is it to stop and make a call or talk , some people talk to damn much anyway.

Agreed