Hang up and drive!
In September, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a new law that prohibits teenage drivers from using cell phones, pagers, laptops or other electronic devices while driving. Cell phone use is a leading cause of distracted driver accidents in the state, according to the California Highway Patrol. Also, a statement from Schwarzenegger’s office cites a study by Detroit-based Ford Motor Co. that found teenage drivers to be four times more distracted by cell phones than adult drivers. “[Teen drivers] are young, inexperienced and have a slower reaction time,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road.”
Fifteen other states and the District of Columbia have passed similar laws, according to Schwarzenegger’s office. Also, the National Transportation Safety Board has urged all states to prohibit inexperienced drivers from using electronic devices while driving.