Cell phone bans for teenage drivers difficult to enforce

Tag: Cell Phone Connector

Cell phone bans for teenage drivers are difficult for police to enforce, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"Drivers with phones to their ears aren't hard to stop, but it's nearly impossible for police officers to see hands-free devices or correctly guess how hold drivers are," said Anne McCartt, IIHS senior vice president.

A study by IIHS indicates teen drivers are making and taking cell phone calls and even text-messaging while behind the wheel.

"Text-messaging while driving is really a bad idea," said Jimmy Maass, safety coordinator for the Virginia Farm Bureau. "Your attention is removed, and you are no longer focusing on the roadway."

Using cell phones while driving is illegal in Virginia for drivers younger than 18. The ban is part of the state's graduated licensing system.

"Using a cell phone and driving is a bad idea for anyone at any age because so much of your attention is used to talk or listen,"ﾠMaass said. "However, teens have less driving experience and are still learning, so they definitely shouldn't be distracted."