Cell phones and highway safety : 2003 state legislative update.

Although opinions differ over which distractions cause the most crashes, one activity has drawn the bulk of the attention from lawmakers across the United States: the use of the wireless phone while driving. Since 1999, every state has considered legislation related to driver use of wireless phones. During the 2003 session alone, legislatures in 42 states considered such measures. Seventeen states have passed laws regarding mobile phone use while driving, at least 17 states track mobile phone involvement in crashes, and legislatures in six states have approved studies to gather more information on the issue. This report contains information on state, federal, local and international action with regard to the use of cell phones while driving; enforcement and effectiveness of these actions; driver education concerning driver distractions; and legal liability of drivers involved in accidents while using a cell phone. (Author/publisher)