The Michigan state senate recently passed a bill that would prohibit new drivers from using cellphones while behind the wheel of a moving automobile. If passed, the bill – labeled “Kelsey’s Law” after a 17 year old girl who was killed in a collision while talking on her cellphone – would ban non-emergency cellphone use for drivers with level one or two graduated licenses.
Some senators opposed the bill, saying the perils of using a handheld device while operating a motor vehicle should be explained by parents or driver’s education instructors rather than being legislated, while others argued that people of all ages should be prohibited from using cellphones while driving, not just teenagers.
Laws of a similar nature have already been passed in thirty other states. Michigan’s version of the law would allow teenage drivers to use cellphones in the event of an emergency such as reporting an auto collision or crime or seeking help for a medical situation. Hands-free navigation systems such as On Star would not be prohibited. After passing in the senate on a 28-120 vote, the bill will now be considered by the state’s house of representatives.
We fully realize the damage that can be done by drivers distracted from their duties behind the wheel of an automobile. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, I urge you to consider consulting with a San Bernardino car accident attorney.