Beginning in 2005, the Illinois continued its safe driving campaign with revised laws, specifically geared towards teen and new drivers. The program, called Graduate to Safety, includes a law that “Prohibits the use of cell phones for drivers under the age of 18, unless it is for emergency purposes.”

The law has been called to recent controversy amongst teenagers, but there should be no question. The reason is that people, teens specifically, become distracted while talking on cell phones, thus impairing their ability to drive safely. The thinking behind the new law is clear. Teenagers under the age of 18, being comparatively inexperienced, are at an amplified risk.

I do not see a single reason why, after knowing the hard facts on this issue, there should be any question about it. Nor do I see the problem in pulling to the side of the road or waiting until you’ve reached your destination before whipping out your new Razor. It doesn’t make sense to question a law with so much factual backing.

With so many teen fatalities per year involving vehicle accidents, it is no wonder that states are taking a closer look at driver safety. The Federal Government agrees, according to statements by high-ranking transportation safety officials. "We must do everything we can to reduce these needless deaths and we strongly believe that banning wireless communications devices for teenagers learning to drive will help significantly,” the official said. There is an undisputable amount of reputable evidence provided by all possible sources suggesting the dangers of driving while using cell phones, especially so for teenagers. In fact, the City of Chicago has outlawed driving with cell phones completely, unless they are used with completely hands free devices. Disregarding the minor inconvenience this may pose, teen drivers should have no problems obeying the new law, as it is for their own safety, less they become one of the 5,691.

With the new law in effect for only a few months, it is unclear whether or not there will be a reduction in teen accidents as a result. However, according to all available evidence provided by private think tanks, as well as the state and federal governments, there should be no question. Cell phones while driving? Not a necessity, and certainly not worth the risk.

Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Illinois Department of State, U.S. Department of Transportation, City of Chicago

A similar version of this editorial was published in Victor's high school newspaper.