Representative Berta Gardner |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · March 17, 2009 |
Law will prohibit minors from using cell phones while driving
JUNEAU – Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed through committee HB 15, prohibiting the use of cell phones by minors while driving, sponsored by Rep. Berta Gardner (D – Anchorage).
One Alaskan testifying in committee said, “Passage of this bill will save some lives, and if it is not passed this year, we will see it again later, though perhaps too late for some young drivers.”
Use of cell phones increases risk of accident for all drivers, but especially for younger ones. Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers, and in Alaska where about 7.6 percent of drivers are in the 16 to 20 year age range, 35 percent of all accidents involving cell phones are caused by these drivers.
“Cell phones are a great convenience and a necessary tool in our culture,” Gardner said. “But when convenience and efficiency collide with safety of others, we need to draw a line. This isn’t about inconveniencing some drivers; it’s about making all drivers and roads safer.”
The bill now moves onto the House Finance committee.
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