A state senate committee Wednesday morning is scheduled to take up a measure to ban cell phones behind the wheel…but only for some drivers. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.
MARK BRODIE: Senate Bill 1056 would apply to drivers younger than 18, who have had their licenses for less than six months. It would prohibit them from using cell phones or other electronic devices while they’re driving. Phoenix Republican John McComish says an earlier law to restrict the hours new drivers could be on the road, and with whom, has reduced deaths among teen drivers. He says this bill would just add on to that.
JOHN McCOMISH: “It will give the parents a little more ammunition, another tool that they can say, ‘hey, young driver,’ to their son or daughter, ‘this is the law. And you run the risk of losing your drivers’ license if you disobey the law.’”
MARK BRODIE: McComish says he doesn’t see this bill as part of efforts to ban texting while driving. There are bills in the legislature to do that, although previous measures have failed to become law.