Citation

Lim SH, Chi J. Transp. Policy 2013; 27: 158-163.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.tranpol.2013.01.011

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Cell phone laws prohibiting individuals from texting or using the phone while driving have been much debated in the United States. Currently, 33 states have passed cell phone laws targeting only young and novice drivers, while 10 states have similar laws for all drivers regardless of age. This paper examines the efficacy of state cell phone laws in reducing non-alcohol related fatal crashes involving drivers under the age of 21. We found that handheld cell phone bans targeting all drivers reduced fatal crashes involving young drivers, but there was insufficient evidence that complete cell phone bans targeting only young drivers reduced fatal crashes. In addition, the effect of graduated licensing programs was insignificant for the period 2000-2010.