Teen drivers could soon be banned from using a cell phone while behind the wheel.
Lawmakers are considering legislation that would bar drivers under the age of 18 or who have an instruction permit from using a cell phone while they are driving. State Representative Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay), a sponsor of the measure, says research has shown drivers talking on cell phones are four times as likely to crash as other drivers.
The bill received a hearing at the Capitol Thursday, where some lawmakers asked if it could be expanded to ban the use of cell phones by all drivers. Pasch says there is separate legislation already that seeks to do that. However, she wants to keep the focus on teens with her bill because she believes they are a higher risk group.