Description and rationale

The risks of cell phone calling and texting while driving have drawn considerable attention in recent years. Teenagers are more susceptible than adults to cell phone use risks in vehicles,1 and young drivers are at a greater risk of crashing when they engage in distracting behaviors.2 There is evidence that teen drivers are at higher risk of crashing when they reach for a cell phone, dial a cell phone, or text while driving compared to when they do not engage in these behaviors.3 In many states, cell phone laws have been enacted that apply specifically to teenagers.

Phone/electronic, including hands-free, device use by learner and intermediate drivers should be prohibited.


1Klauer et al. 2014; Durbin et al. 2014

2Ferguson, 2003; Klauer et al., 2014

3Klauer et al., 2014; Goodwin et al., 2016