Teens And Cell Phones

The House has approved legislation (SB 1289) that would prohibit teenagers from talking on their cell phones while driving. Like the seat belt bill, this bill was proposed by the Child Fatality Task Force, and was passed on a vote of 89-22 on Wednesday and will now go back to the Senate for final approval. Motorists under the age of 18 caught using a cell could face a $25 fine and an extension to their graduated driving period. Like other graduated licensing rules, this law is designed more as a tool for parents than a tool for law enforcement. The bill does make exceptions for teenagers speaking with parents, law enforcement, and spouses. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among North Carolina teens, with more than 400 killed in the past five years.