PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has signed legislation banning texting or other cellphone use by drivers with only a learners permit or during the first six months teenagers have a regular license.
Ducey approved the bill Thursday and said in a signing letter that he'd go farther and ban texting for all minors.
The legislation marks the first time in years the Legislature has approved a bill addressing cellphone use and distracted driving. Many Republican lawmakers contend distracted driving is already covered by existing laws and passing even a small cellphone ban will lead to broader efforts to ban their use behind the wheel.
Arizona is one of just four states without blanket bans on texting while driving. Arizona only bars school bus drivers from texting.
Read Ducey's full statement:
Distracted driving is a growing problem in Arizona and nationally. I generally believe that public awareness and education campaigns are a more effective remedy to prevent accidents and save lives than blanket laws that let politicians feel like they’ve checked the box, and then move on to the next issue. For that reason, I am skeptical of large-scale bans on texting while driving — I just don’t think they work.But this bill is different. The state already regulates a number of things when it comes to early driving by teens. And for good reason. For our youth, these laws can act as a teacher. In fact, I’d be in favor of a law that goes further, banning texting while driving for all minors. Driving is a privilege for our youth, and they are still the responsibility of their parents, financially and otherwise, before the age of 18.
If we can use the early years of their driving experience as an opportunity to guide them toward safe and responsible habits, that’s a good thing.