New Year Brings New Driving Laws

As the clock struck midnight on Dec. 31, 2009 drivers hopefully began thinking twice about calling or texting while driving in Illinois, Kansas, New Hampshire or Oregon as they could be breaking new state laws that crack down on distracted driving, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

Of the four states with stronger laws regarding cell phone use and texting that took effect Jan. 1, 2010, Oregon does the most by banning the use of hand held devices and texting for all drivers

The new law in Oregon also prohibits people under age 18 from using any form of cell phone while behind the wheel.

Illinois, meantime, is placing new restrictions on hand held devices and bans their use in construction and school zones. Kansas is implementing a ban on all cell phone use and texting for young drivers who have learner's permits and intermediate licenses. Finally, New Hampshire is getting tougher on texting and implements a ban on this activity for all drivers.

According to Robert Passmore, senior of director lines for PCI, "These four states are joining a growing number states and localities that are implementing or strengthening restrictions on cell phone use and texting. In 2009, 17 states implemented or strengthened cell phone and texting laws. The enactment of these laws is positive; however it takes a coordinated strategy combining education and enforcement to get results. All drivers have a responsibility to exercise good judgment in all of their driving activities and cell phone use only represents one of a laundry list of distractions that can lead to a crash."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that approximately 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Research also shows that the worst offenders are the youngest and least experienced drivers: men and women less than 20 years of age.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are statewide bans on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone in seven states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington) and the District of Columbia.

The use of all cell phones by novice drivers is restricted in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

Text messaging is banned for all drivers in 19 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, novice drivers are banned from texting in nine states (Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, and West Virginia)

"Driving safely is a matter of personal responsibility,' Passmore added. "PCI supports initiatives to increase the knowledge of motorists on the hazards of distracted driving and identify steps that motorists can take to prevent distractions from affecting their driving performance.'