Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch Readers Discuss New Teen Cell Phone Law

A new Michigan law, known as "Kelsey's Law" which prohibits teen drivers from using a cell phone while driving a car, goes into to effect Thursday.

According to the bill signed into law earlier this year, if any driver with a temporary drivers permit or a level 1 or 2 graduated license - meaning any driver under the age of 17 - is stopped for a moving violation, he or she could be cited with a civil infraction for using a cell phone. 

Because the violation is a civil infraction, local municipalities will determine the fine.

The legislation was named for a 17-year-old Sault Ste. Marie girl who died in a car crash in 2010 while she was using her cell phone.

Readers of the Trenton-Grosse Ile Facebook page were asked about their thoughts of law. Here are some of the responses:

• Judi Maegerlein: it won't cause they wont put them down....
• Jacqueline Sparks: That should have already been happening!
• Leah Derby: i'm sure their parents already 'prohibit' them from using their cell phones while driving. this MI law will do NOTHING. that's like telling teenagers they are not allowed to smoke and drink. like telling your new puppy not to chew on that ball while your gone at work...
• John Truitt: Well maybe the ones who do abide by this may learn they can live without it for a few minutes.
• Michelle Wakefield Shenton: every bit helps
• Brandi Blaz: If they are driving on a permit they are most likely with their parent or an adult cause they can't drive without one present. So if the adult /parent is allowing them to use their cell. Shame on them. It's the parents fault. I personally especially with my kids in car will get a text and hand my phone to one of them and have them read it to me and then I tell them what to respond for me. I like the idea of having a device that is In the child's car that while in drive automatically disables their phone. It would save so many lives

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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