MI law outlaws cell phone use for new drivers - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Kim Gamble has two teens who are both new behind the wheel.  Michigan's new law banning cell phone use for inexperienced drivers was music to her ears.

"I do have an almost 17-year-old, a 15-year-old who are driving and they have no business taking their eyes off the road or taking their hands off the wheel," says Gamble.  "I totally think that's fair, I agree with it 100 percent."

Kelsey's Bill bans cell phone activity for all level one and two Michigan drivers, which are mostly teens. It's named after 17-year-old Kelsey Raffaele, who died in a 2010 car crash while she was talking on the phone.

"I think most drivers at that age use cell phones the most," says 18-year-old Jackson Lamb who agrees with the bill. "You don't see older people texting and driving that much."

Drivers who use hand held devices are four times more likely to get into serious crashes that will injure themselves or others. But many drivers say everyone should be banned from using these behind the wheel, not just teens or new drivers.

"I think it would be in the best interest of everybody to keep everybody safe," says driver Jake Wise in Bedford Township.

"It's not just young people, it's everybody that's using cell phones," comments Jackson Lamb.

Texting while driving is illegal in Michigan, for new and seasoned drivers.  Teens can still use hands-free phones in their car under the new rule.

Drivers who break the law could face a penalty, but won't receive any points on their driving record.  The hope is that fewer distractions for the state's newest license holders will save more lives overall.