Bill Would Ban Under-18 Drivers From Using Cell Phones at Wheel

The State Senate voted to ban young drivers from talking on cell phones or typing text messages while driving. The bill's author, Senator Joe Simitian, says it will save lives, since teens are more easily distracted by technology behind the wheel. The legislation, if passed, would apply to drivers under 18. It's now headed to the Assembly.

Twenty-five years ago, the no drinking and driving campaign was just underway. Today, there's a new message that could read like this: no calling and driving. A bill passed in the state Senate aims to put the brakes on teenagers who call or text message behind the wheel. The Assembly will vote on the law this summer. It would prohibit drivers under 18 from using any mobile device, including cell phones and PDAs.

The crash rate in San Diego County: 308 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2005 (the latest year statistics are available), according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. 61 of those were pedestrians. 10 were bicyclists. And more than 23,000 people suffered injuries in crashes the same year.

Guest

• Kathy Keehan , San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.