AAA Michigan supports cell phone ban for novice teen drivers

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Dec 03, 2012, 01:30 ET

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AAA Michigan strongly supports legislation which would prohibit novice teen drivers from talking on cell phones while driving. Senate Bill 756 was passed earlier this year by the Michigan Senate and is now before the Michigan House for consideration.

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Under the legislation, teenage drivers with a Level 1 or 2 license will have to comply with cell phone restrictions. The only exemptions would be allowing new teen drivers to report a crash, emergency or crime. Numerous studies have shown that new teen drivers are far more likely to be involved in cell phone-related crashes than older, more experienced drivers.

The bill would allow police to issue a civil infraction to teens who are in violation of the new law. AAA supports the law, which will be discussed in a House Transportation Committee hearing at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 5) in Lansing. AAA Michigan encourages passage of the law, referred to as "Kelsey's Law," named for Kelsey Raffaele, a 17-year-old Michigan resident who was killed while talking on her cell phone and driving.

To help new teen drivers – and their parents – AAA offers a web site, TeenDriving.AAA.com. This comprehensive resource provides extensive state-specific information and useful tools to help teens improve their driving skills. New drivers will find interactive exercises, quizzes and games as well of videos of experts and teens talking about safety. The site includes a downloadable parent-teen driving agreement.

AAA.com

SOURCE AAA Michigan