Teen drivers in Colorado have another day to drive and talk on their cell phones.  On Monday, it will be illegal for them to do so.  But they will only receive a citation if they are stopped for another reason.  It is ok, though, for these same teens to have other distractions like a bunch of their friends in the car, as long as one of those friends is an adult.  Radios too, are ok, or are not specifically addressed by legislation.  And for female teens, let’s not forget about putting on make-up.  Not that it is a bad idea to prevent teens from talking on their phone, but we should not overlook the many other reasons these kids could be killed or injured in a motor vehicle--or kill or injure someone else.  The last line of this Associated Press article provides a profound quote from Erin McGee, spokeswoman for CTIA-The Wireless Association:  “Most states have laws that prohibit distracted driving, and perhaps they should enforce them....”

New drivers generally need to be taught that getting behind the wheel is a big responsibility, and it should be taken seriously.  While banning cell phones is a good start for teens, there are so many other worries that parents have with their new teen drivers, talking on the phone only scratches the surface.  Hopefully as more laws like this one are passed, we as a society will renew our awareness of the inherent hazards in distracted driving.