California implements ban on teen cell phone use while driving; auto insurance remains high
September 18, 2007 – 10:53 am
There has been a fair amount of press recently about California’s ban on mobile phone use while driving. My only question is, why limit it to teenagers?
Here is a rundown of a few articles:
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http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-06-11-dwt_N.htm
http://www.wirelessweek.com/Article-California-Bill-Teen-Drivers.aspx
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20681742/
Lowell High School junior Minna Shmidt, 16, hands her cell phone to her father before taking the wheel of their car in San Francisco. Shmidt says her father, a retired driver’s education teacher, has taught her that driving and cell phone use don’t mix.
Still, California and 15 other states are considering bills banning teens from using electronic equipment while driving, according to the American Automobile Association. Another 13 states and the District of Columbia have passed bans.
Supporters say teen-specific regulations — which generally amend existing laws that apply to everyone, or add provisions to graduated licensing laws for young motorists — reduce driver distraction and save lives. Opponents say that they’re another example of government meddling into citizens’ private behavior — and that teaching students proper driving skills is a parent’s duty, not the state’s.
Really? Ya think texting while driving can be dangerous? Say it isn’t so.
I think adults are just if not more guilty of texting or messing around with mobile devices while driving. Every person I know that has a BlackBerry, Treo, iPhone or similar device has been guilty of this at some point, although some more than others.
Although with good intentions, I think this is a joke for cops to try and enforce a ban on teens texting while driving. I think this should be dealt with by parents. If teens get into accidents from text messaging, their insurance costs are going to raise above the already astronomical amount, so isn’t there an attempt to keep distractions at a minimum already?
I’m guessing high insurance costs and removal of car privileges by parents has a limited deterrent factor, but that is probably more effective than issuing a ticket.
What is next? A teen ban on listening to the radio while driving?
Technorati Tags: SMS, text messaging, mobile, California, law
4 Responses to “California implements ban on teen cell phone use while driving; auto insurance remains high”
Forgot to add this link from Engadget.
Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t as much fun as a Governor as he was in The Terminator… just ask California’s teen drivers. The former action movie star has signed a new bill — which we told you about in August — into law, making it illegal for anyone aged 16 or 17 to use a mobile phone, pager, laptop, or handheld computer while driving a vehicle. Effective July 1, 2008 (the same day that California’s ban on non-hands-free mobile-use while driving takes effect), the state will begin to fine offenders $20 for their first incident, and $50 for each recurrent violation. The law is targeting teen drivers due to the wealth of statistics that demonstrate young motorists are more likely to end up in car accidents which result in death. According to reports, 13.6-percent of all fatal accidents are caused by teenagers, and studies show that car crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 16-19. “The simple fact is that teenage drivers are more easily distracted,” said Schwarzenegger in a statement, adding, “We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers.” He then paused and remarked, “We just don’t want to say ‘Hasta la vista, baby’ to young drivers anymore.”
By Dustin Jacobsen on Sep 18, 2007
i think that cell phones should be bend from driving becaues u can get an to a car cash and die but if it was bend from driving people loke me will not die from all of this suff
By shanita on Sep 26, 2007
some suff can do that to but who gone hurt me i can drive don”t know body stop me
By shanita on Sep 26, 2007
Dear Shanita,
Please study spelling and grammar. Your posts are probably the most illiterate I’ve ever read.
There are places where you can get help for free. You deserve to improve yourself. If you want any chance of getting a better job, you need to work hard on it.
Go for it, girl! You can do it.
By Jeff on Sep 27, 2007