The youngest drivers in California will have to put down the cell phone while driving after Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning use of such devices for those under 18.
The law will take effect July first, the same day another California law will require adults to use handsfree devices when talking on their cell phones while driving.
The outright ban for drivers ages 16 and 17 is in part a response to the popularity of text-messaging among teens.
The bill prohibits 16- and 17-year-olds from using any electronic device while driving. That will include cell phones, text messaging devices, laptop computers, pagers, walkie-talkies and handheld computers. It applies even to equipment with "handsfree" features.
In signing the bill, the governor cited statistics by the California Highway Patrol that cell phone use is a primary cause of accidents caused by distracted drivers.
Parents, what do you think? State Senator Roy Ashburn opposed this bill. He says it paitned with too broad a stroke, and could prevent teens from being in contact with and monitored by their parents. But parents all know who worried you get that your kids are playing the radio, chatting, and generally playing around while driving instead of paying attention to the road.
Post your comments in the box below.
-Kiyoshi
