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House approves cell phone ban for young drivers
Posted: 03.09.2010 at 8:26 AM
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DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- The Iowa House has narrowly voted to ban the state's youngest drivers from any use of cell phones or other hand-held electronic devices.
The bill approved Monday would ban the use of cell phones, either for calls or text messaging, by any 16 or 17-year-old while driving.
Rep. Scott Raecker, a Republican from Urbandale, says it's that age group that does the bulk of cell phone calling and text messaging.
The House approved the measure on a 55-41 vote, sending it back to the Senate, which had earlier approved a ban only on texting and e-mailing while driving for everyone.
Rep. Rick Olson, D-Des Moines, says it makes sense to target young people, who are already forced to get special drivers licenses that include restrictions on what they can do.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)