After several fatal incidents involving teenage drivers and mobile phones the state Assembly passed a bill on Monday that would ban drivers under the age of 18 from using mobile phones, pagers, text messaging devices or laptops while driving. The bill passed by a 62-5 vote and targets all mobile devices – even hands-free ones.
According to statistics, teenagers represent 6% of licensed drivers but also 16% of car accident fatalities. On average 17 teenagers die per day across the
However, critics argue that the measure would create a ‘nanny government’ and that it should be parents and not the state that hold responsibility for the kids. It has further been criticized that the bill would also target hands-free devices which are less distracting.
Apparently the bill is based on a 2001 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which states that 16 year old drivers have a crash rate that is 5 times higher than 18 year olds and almost 10 times higher than drivers aged 30 to 59. Further research confirmed that teenagers are 4 times more distracted than adults when they use a mobile phone while driving.
The new bill, which would go into effect on July 1st 2008, would ban drivers under 18 from using any mobile or similar device except in case of emergency. Violation would be penalized with a fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.
Free Download: 100 Key Trends in Youth Mobile Culture
Sign up to the mobileYouth newsletter and you will also get the 4 Part PDF Free (Note: each section is full-color, high resolution, 9MB in size). Our trends newsletter delivers the latest insights straight to your email box. Written every week by our resident best-selling mobileYouth authors. Never miss a trend in youth mobile culture again. Unsubscribe any time.
