California bans teens from using cellphones while driving

California bans teens from using cellphones while driving

A message from California to its 16- and 17-year-olds: Dnt txt n drv — thx.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law on Thursday that will require teens to put down cellphones and other electronic devices while driving. Older drivers, not minors, will be allowed to use hands-free devices — in part because of the popularity of text-messaging among teens.

"The simple fact is that teenage drivers are more easily distracted. They are young, inexperienced and have a slower reaction time," Schwarzenegger said in a statement after he signed the legislation into law. His daughter turned 16 and began driving last year.

"We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers," he said.

The law barring cellphone use by drivers under 18 will take effect July 1, as will the law restricting cellphone use among older drivers that the governor signed last year.

A first offence will net violators a $20 fine and repeat offenders will be given a $50 fine. Both laws include exceptions for drivers who need to make emergency calls.

The new law makes California one of 15 states, plus the District of Columbia, that ban the use of wireless communication devices for teenage drivers.

A recent American Automobile Association study found nearly 30 per cent of teen respondents said they talk on cellphones or text-message while driving. The California Highway Patrol lists cellphone use as a top cause of accidents in the state, reports the San Jose Mercury News.

A 2001 report by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found 16-year-old drivers have a crash rate three times higher than that of 17-year-olds, five times greater than 18-year-olds and almost 10 times greater than drivers ages 30 to 59.

In Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador enacted legislation in 2003 banning cellphone use while behind the wheel. Anyone defying the law risks getting hit with $400 in fines and four demerit points.

Last month, a Charlottetown city councillor called for P.E.I. to follow Newfoundland and Labrador's lead, while Quebec says it plans to introduce its no-phones-while-driving legislation this fall.