Recent laws have been passed to prevent teen drivers from using their cell phones while driving. A recent study showed that most teens are ignoring the laws passed on the use of cell phones while driving. A study done by the North Carolina Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that introducing a law banning the use of cell phones while driving had no effect.
The North Carolina law is part of the state's graduated licensing system that was enacted in 2006. Under this law, anyone found using a cell phone when driving who is under the age of eighteen will be fined. More states in the US are taking steps toward banning teens from using their cell phones while driving.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens. Teen drivers are three times more likely to have a fatal car crash as any other drivers. Researchers recently observed teen drivers leaving high school and found that the use of cell phones was the same before and after the cell phone ban was enacted.
Police find it hard to enforce cell phone laws.
Enforcing the cell phone ban lies on the law enforcement and on parents. Most parents in North Carolina agreed with the new cell phone ban, but felt it was not being enforced. Many of the teens observed that were using their cell phones were using handhelds, only one percent were using hands-free sets.
Currently, California will charge teen drivers $25 for their first offense, other states are charging more. For police officers, finding the teen driver in the act is the hard part. Many teens admit they use their cell phone in the car, but quickly throw it in their lap if they see a police officer. Aggressive enforcement is the key to enforcing the cell phone ban, but it doesn't start there. The parents of teen drivers hold a large responsibility in enforcing the cell phone ban. Proper education at home will lead teens to know that using a cell phone while driving is unacceptable.
Other states have taken extra steps to stop the cell phone problem before teens even get their license. Two hands should be on the wheel at times and teaching this to teens before they obtain their license considered good practice. Teens need to understand that their decisions in the car can impact other drivers and possibly get them or another driver killed or seriously injured.
National campaigns have been started to teach teens about the dangers of using their cell phone while driving. Pulling over to talk on your phone is one of the biggest teachings in this campaign. Other teachings include waiting until you get home to place a call. The safety of yourself and of other drivers and pedestrians is of the utmost importance.
Limiting phone usage is tough for parents to enforce upon teens, especially since most teens tend to carry their phones with them. Schools can play a large role in enforcing the cell phone ban as well. Holding educational courses about cell phone use while driving can teach the teens about the dangers associated with cell phones and driving.
Police officers hold a large responsibility in watching drivers using cell phones. Unfortunately it is hard for officers to identify the age of drivers before they pull them over. One place many police officers are looking for cell phone usage by teens is at the end of school. Several high school students are prone to jumping on their phone the second they are out of class and in their car. This is one area for police officers to stake out, but this won't solve all the problems.
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