A serious car accident can occur in a matter of seconds, and a distracted driver is often the cause of the collision. Add to that the fact that those just learning to drive often lack the experience and know-how to do much more than concentrate on the road, and distractions could become deadly.

On each occasion that a motorist gets behind the wheel of a car in Wisconsin, a reasonable duty of care is owed to other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians on or near the roadway. In a continued effort to reduce the number of car accidents in our state, a proposed law has been introduced in the Assembly aimed at banning the use of cellular devices by new drivers.

Assembly Bill 291 prohibits individuals holding an instructional or probationary license in Wisconsin from using any type of cellular device while driving except to report an emergency. The legislation has already passed the Assembly Transportation Committee unanimously and is now awaiting a vote by the full legislative body.

One of the bill's proponents, Rep. Kathy Bernier of Chippewa Falls, observed that a car accident is the primary threat to the lives of teenagers in our state. She added that it typically takes a lot longer than six months for someone to learn how to drive comfortably, which is why the bill is aimed at new drivers.

Media reports nationwide are replete with stories of car accidents claiming the lives of young drivers who were talking or texting on a cellphone at the time of the incident. These actions not only put those drivers at risk but also threaten the safety of others on the road. If this new legislation is passed, hopefully it will promote safety and reduce the risk of injury on Wisconsin roads.

Source: Leader-Telegram, "Bill would ban new drivers from using cell phones," Jan. 31, 2012