Cell phone ban targets new teen drivers

Legislation meant to address safety risk is too murky, some say

By JEFFREY GILBERT and KRISTEN MACK
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau
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AUSTIN - In driving school, they teach everything from how to parallel park to how to change lanes. What they don't explain is how to drive and talk on a cell phone at the same time.

On Wednesday, Texas lawmakers decided they are ready to step in. The House tentatively passed a measure that prohibits a minor from using a wireless communications device, including cell phones and pagers, for six months after getting a driver's license.

Rep. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, attached the measure to a Senate bill that deals with commercial driver's licenses.

"I am hoping to get the next generation of drivers used to not using cell phones," Menendez said. "I think we can make all streets in Texas safer."

How is an officer supposed to know if the driver is w/in the 6 mos unless they stop them and run the license?

"Driver using the phone looked pretty young so I stopped to see if they had been driving for under 6 mos. I pulled him/her over and found they had lic. for 7 mos, but smelled alcohol and saw the dope so..."

Wouldn't they have to ban it all across the board?