NC Teens Ignore Mobile Phone Driving Ban

June 17, 2008 By Digital Trends Staff

NC Teens Ignore Mobile Phone Driving Ban

A study has found that incidents of North Carolina teens talking on cell phones while driving have actually increased since a band was introduced.

In December 2006, North Carolina introduced a ban on using cell phones while driving, in the hope that teens – the worst offenders – would put their cells down in the car. However, a study shows that hasn’t been the case – more teens have been observed using their phones while driving than before the ban, up from 11% to 12%. The observations were made as they left school in the afternoon. About 2% were reportedly dialing or texting as they drove.

Drivers and parents support the ban, but they claim it’s not being enforced, with the majority saying enforcement was almost nonexistent.

Anne McCartt, senior vice president of research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said:

"Cellphone bans for teen drivers are difficult to enforce. Drivers with phones to their ears are not hard to spot, but it is nearly impossible for police officers to see hands-free devices or correctly guess how old drivers are."

Showing 5 comments

Daniel at 5:44pm 29th July 2008 Why are only teenagers being targeted with this law?? I have seen adult drivers all over the highway, off the edge of the highway, on the sidewalk, and going though red lights with a phone held to their ear. Are these phone calls important enought to risk their lives and the lives of others?? ( I think NOT!! )
Kevin at 1:47pm 18th June 2008 Or... maybe, just maybe, they could increase the age limit on driving, like they did in NJ. Increase the legal age limit to 18. Thus, less responsible teens will no longer be held liable for this offense. I'm sure if you remember driving when you were their age, you weren't exactly the most careful of drivers.
Jake in LA at 2:01pm 17th June 2008 Maybe they could require cell phones to be locked in the glove box or trunk.
gary at 2:00pm 17th June 2008 Whats next, an open cell phone law like an open container law?
Matt at 1:59pm 17th June 2008 I can't imagine its that easy for an officer to actually prove that they were using their phone. As long as it's not above the line of the window, it's impossible to tell (even if they are driving on a sidewalk with their head down at the same time).