Cell Phone Ban Passes, Focus On Younger Drivers
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Updated: 7:41 AM May 7, 2009
Cell Phone Ban Passes, Focus On Younger Drivers
A bill to ban texting while driving passed in the senate by one vote during the last day of the legislative session. Teen drivers will get hit hardest.
Posted: 5:59 AM May 7, 2009
Reporter: Eric Lupher
Email Address: elupher@kktv.com
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A bill to ban texting while driving passed in the senate by one vote during the last day of the legislative session Wednesday. Teen drivers will get hit hardest.

The new law bans adults from texting while driving. For drivers 18 and under, using a cell phone in any way while behind the wheel will be illegal starting Dec. 1.

Why the focus on younger drivers? Statistics show teen drivers are more distracted behind the wheel. Cell phones may be a big part of that problem.

According to a dual study conducted by an insurance company and the National Organizations For Youth Safety, 80 percent of teen girls and 58 percent of teen boys admit they text while driving. Studies also show, teen drivers are more aggressive and wreckless when they take the streets.

Perhaps it's numbers like this that swayed lawmakers to pass the bill on Wednesday.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Brian Location: Grand Junction on Sep 18, 2009 at 04:49 PM

I completely agree with this law. Texting while driving is more dangerous than a drunk driver who is paying attention-or trying to-to what they are doing, and should be punished under the law the same way, with jail time and suspended driving privileges.
Posted by: meg Location: c/s on May 16, 2009 at 02:11 PM

im sorry-i really am a wack-job i talk and text while i drive all the time. sorry for being wrong earlier.
Posted by: Irritated Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2009 at 06:12 PM

I have never run a red light, andthe only stop sign I ran was cuz a tree had knocked it down. People need to slow down.. What's an extra 2 mins if you get where you're going safely???
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