Rochester Patch Readers Discuss New Teen Cell Phone Law

A new Michigan law, known as "Kelsey's Law" which prohibits teen drivers from using a cell phone while driving a car, goes into to effect Thursday.

According to the bill signed into law earlier this year, if any driver with a temporary drivers permit or a level 1 or 2 graduated license - meaning any driver under the age of 17 - is stopped for a moving violation, he or she could be cited with a civil infraction for using a cell phone. 

Because the violation is a civil infraction, local municipalities will determine the fine.

The legislation was named for a 17-year-old Sault Ste. Marie girl who died in a car crash in 2010 while she was using her cell phone.

Readers of the Rochester Patch Facebook page were asked about their thoughts of law. Here are some of the responses:

• Kristal Tinsler: I think it is fantastic! These new drivers need to be focused ONLY on the driving!
• Tammy Watson: I think its (sic) about time! I wish the darned things were banned in cars while they are moving period, whether you are a teen or adult. Unless you are hands free...
• Ross W. Emerton: I don't have any issue with it in concept. I do have an issue with the "piling on" of new legislation when we already have laws for the infractions for which they would be pulled over to begin with. Seems more like revenue generation than anything else.
• Jeff Glaser: This is already a law in our house, so it will be nothing new. Don't be fooled with hands free devices...experts have shown that the "mental" distraction of being on a phone call is the issue, not holding a phone.
• Aaron John Wilson: Should be across the board with any driver, young and old. Any time I see people veering over the line on my commute, or driving like they're drunk, the first thing I notice is the constant looking down at a phone, or the shine of the screen around the cab of the vehicle when it's dark. Let it generate revenue. I hope is does, briefly. The bigger thing is that I hope people realize that, no matter how self-centered they are about their own tasks, they're not the only ones on the road. 
• Linda Birdwell-Taipala: We implemented a similar law in Troy a few years ago for all drivers. I think its a good idea.

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.