New limits on teen drivers

Senate Bill 16 is an attempt to reduce the number of teenage deaths on state roads. In 2007 teen drivers caused 153 deaths on Indiana roadways.

These are the restrictions that would take effect in July. If you're under 18, no texting or talking on the cell phone while driving. New drivers, no passengers for six months instead of three. Also, expanded nighttime driving restrictions for the first 180 days.

These are the restrictions that would take effect in July of 2010. If you take driver's education, you can get your license at 16 and 6 months. If you don't, 16 and 9 months.

"I have real concerns about access to those driver's education programs for many of my constitutents and their children," said 83rd District Representative Matt Bell.

As the Representative of the rural district of Avilla, that's the reason Matt Bell voted against the bill. But he agrees with the plan to reduce distracted driving. But what do teenagers think?

"I think it's a smart law because texting and driving isn't good and it's causing a lot of accidents in young kids these days," said Fort Wayne teen, Chelsea.

But they seem to be more hesitant about the no talking restriction.

"If an urgent message comes to you, like from say your mom, and you can't pick up your phone if the cops see you you'll get pulled over, it's not fair," said Fort Wayne teen Kolby Smith.

And it might be a restriction that doesn't stick.

"Now I just put my phone on a loudspeaker and just put it on my lap and talk," said Smith.

That's why Bell believes Senate Bill 16 isn't the final answer.

"The issue is distracted driving and how do we comprehensively address that is the better question to promote a safer road system in the state of Indiana," said Bell.

Too many teenagers have already learned the hard way.

"I think until something bad happens to somebody, than they'll learn their lesson," said Chelsea.

Governor Daniels still has to sign the bill before it is passed into the law.