Proposed Law Could Ban Teen Driver Cell Phone Use

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Posted: 2:03 AM Nov 19, 2008
Last Updated: 2:06 AM Nov 19, 2008

26 comments

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Driving while talking on your cell phone could soon be banned--if you're 18 or under.

That's what Kentucky Lawmaker Rick Nelson wants. Representative Nelson introduced legislation to ban all teen cell phone use, except in the case of an emergency.

Nelson says teen drivers need to be able to concentrate on the road without distractions.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: AMANDA Location: CYNTHIANA on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:07 AM
I'm 20 years old and I believe if its going to be outlawed for teens it should be outlawed for any and every driver. NOT JUST TEENS! And it should be enforced ALSO.

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Lexington on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I am 17 and I agree that cell phones should be banned while driving unless your using a handsfree headset. i see the dangers and know as a teen driver how little distractions affect you. BUT i also believe this should be for adults as well... I have seen just as many BAD drivers on the road that were adults on thier cell phones. In fact, two of my friends were hit in an intersection by an adult driver that was on their cell phone and ran the red light. I understand that teens are more likely to be distracted but not that much changes when you turn 19.

Posted by: k Location: knott on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Oh well why not make it for everyone, some of the older drivers suck...

Posted by: Nathan Location: Frankfort on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:36 PM
I think the meaning for teens or kids in general to have a cell phone was only in case of emergencies, at least from a parents prospective. Instead the teens or kids are using phones whenever and whatever without parents permission, although they do get caught later. I don't think that targeting teens is the only answer, but targeting everyone is the key. The law should apply to everybody, not just a certain age group. They are older people that do just as much damage as the younger. THe ones that are SURPOSED to know what they are doing. No, I'm not a kid or teen and I'm not taking sides. All I asked for law or no law is please put down the cell phone and drive. That way no one gets ticked off.

Posted by: Jon Location: Ky on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:36 PM
I hope they ban cell phones from being used while driving. You can't go anywhere without someone in the way standing around on a cell phone. People don't need to carrie their phones around.

Posted by: Sam Location: South Commonwealth on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I think it's a step in the right direction. According to the CDC website Teen Driver Fact Sheet, "teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash". I think that answers the question of why only teens at this point in time. It has been proven that teens are more easily distracted when behind the wheel. Not only from cell phones, but the risk of accident increases dramatically the more passengers are in the vehicle. It's just a fact of life. I can't see a little "inconvenience" being more important than the safety of our young drivers. Pass the law. If one teenage life is saved, it's worth it.

Posted by: Concerned Location: Kentucky on Nov 20, 2008 at 04:27 AM
California has the no cell phone use while driving law. It can be done. It NEEDS to be done. My 2 month pregnant daughter was hit by a teen that ran a red light because she was texting while driving. Thank God, no serious injuries. No One needs to be texting, or talking on a cell phone while driving. No One.

Posted by: Steve Location: Lexington on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:47 PM
This is a coward's bill! The purpose why he's only proposing it to those under 18??? Because they can't vote, and therefore can't vote against the lawmakers until they are 18 or older, and knowing that most people don't really start voting regularly until around age 25 to 30, then they will have forgotten about who sponsored and voted for this bill by then. Don't get me wrong, I think that cell phone use should be banned on the roadways, but to pick on one single segment of society when they are not the only ones causing crashes and deaths from doing this, it is a coward's way to try to half-address an issue without really addressing it. It needs to be ALL OR NONE!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Whitley County on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:03 PM
PLEASE DO IT !

Posted by: Roger Location: Somerset on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Why pick on teens?Have you noticed how many adults cant drive either.Its not safe for most people to be driving now much less while talking on the phone.Im not saying that a handsfree device is the answer but it cant hurt.

Posted by: hollie on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:45 PM
i agree with the others, love this law! and wish it applied to everyone. by the way, i was on US 23 in coal run yesterday when the guy in front of me blew right through a red light. the officer in the sherrif's cruiser next to me was smoking and talking on his cell phone and either missed it happening or decided his conversation and cigarette were more important.

Posted by: Diane Location: Mt.Sterling on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I am with the others here--What about the adults? If you ban it for them the teens will follow. How are police suppose to enforce an age targeted law? Some adults look like teenagers and some teenagers look like young adults. This proposed law was ill thought out. Nelson needs to acknowledge that adults and teens need to concentrate on the road without distractions.

Posted by: Richard Location: Lexington on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:27 AM
This would be a silly and almost un-enforceable law. I therefore propose a law whereby all drivers license applicants be given a “Distraction Test.” Each potential new driver would be given a stick of chewing gum and required to demonstrate there ability to chew the gum while walking a straight line of not less than 20 feet. Those failing this test would have their Driver’s License revoked and would be required to walk only under the supervision of a competent adult. Makes about as much sense

Posted by: American Location: U.S.A. on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I totally agree with Ky mom, please just change the driving age to 18 years old.

Posted by: Debbie Location: Pikeville on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:28 AM
It is bad enough to talk on the cell phone, but it is the texting while on the road that is going to greatly increase fatalities.

Posted by: Colleen Location: Lexington on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Even though I think teenagers should not be using their cell phones while driving, our police departments are overwhelmed with illegal drug trafficking, drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs, bank robberies, etc. My child should not be pulled over by the police for using his cell phone while a druggie drives by. How can a police officer determine the age of the driver when they drive by his vehicle? My child looks 13 but he actually is 17 years old. We are trying to give police more laws for them to inforce, but our we hiring more officers to help inforce these new laws. As a parent of 2 teenagers, listening to stories of kids on drugs that would break your heart, I would prefer the police to concentrate on getting the drugs off the streets then keeping the kids from talking on their cell phones while driving.

Posted by: Paula Location: Pikeville on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I agree with Brian. What about adults??? There is not a single day that I don't almost get hit by an ADULT who is not paying attention because they are too busy talking on the phone. If you need to make a phone call that bad.....pull over. Multi-tasking should NOT be an option while you're driving.

Posted by: Teresa Location: Frankfort on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:06 AM
I think there should be NO cell phone used while driving at any age because even adults dont pay attention to others while on the cell phone. NO CELL PHONE USE AT ALL! Only in an emergency should they be used.

Posted by: Garlen Location: Dorton, KY on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:56 AM
I think that would be a good law.

Posted by: Jessa Location: martin ky on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:48 AM
I think it should be made a law for everyone, Teenagers aren't the only ones that us their cellphones while driving

Posted by: Bill on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:07 AM
What about one armed dudes and bow legged women.how many laws can a state put on its people.Picking and chooseing this person or that,laws should be for all not seperate groups here and there.Now I understand why Ky is looked at as dumb.I guess they will want a sep. court for these offence's.Maybe a phone court,like our family court, and drug court.So we can hire and pay more lawyers.

Posted by: Pete Location: Kentucky on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Why only teens? It's a proven fact that driving while talking on a cell phone causes accidents. All cell phone use while driving should be banned.

Posted by: Peggy Location: KY on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:07 AM
Great Idea! I've seen SO MANY kids SO distracted without cellphones in their hands-and then I've had a few come a very close to side swiping me while on their cells.My daughter is in the process of getting her license,and her father and I have made it VERY clear the cell phone is to be used whe she is off the road.(If we call,she has five minutes to get to a safe location and call us back).If we hear from a family member or happen to see her on her cell while driving,her license would be taken,no questions asked.Her safety is paramount. She has been raised to always wear her seatbelt,so that wouldn't be an issue-that is something she does automatically, as soon as she gets in the car,but talking on the cell is,too,so that would be a very hard habit to break.I know with much 'encouragement' from us,she'd manage just fine.

Posted by: Brian Location: Frankfort, KY on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:16 AM
What about the adults??? I am an over the road truck driver, and can't begin to count the close calls I've had with "adults" driving a phone booth, using their laptops, and yes, even watching movies (tvs on the dash). I have even seen police officers, on duty, talking WITHOUT hands-free devices! The ban for under-age people IS a good idea. But, how about we lead by example?!? What's good for the goose....

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Thank God. I hate having to honk at stupid teeny bopper girls babbling and texting on their phones while driving. I think a handsfree should be required, like in New York.

Posted by: kymom Location: wildcats on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:39 PM
I think this is a great idea! I also think it would be even better if you couldn't drive at all until you turn 18, but that's just my opinion!

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