State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) reported the New York State Senate recently passed a bill to protect young and inexperienced drivers by helping to remove distractions that could lead to accidents. The legislation (S1511A) prohibits the use of cell phones – including hands-free devices – by drivers who hold learner’s permits.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that young drivers make up just seven percent of the driving population, but are involved in 15 percent of the fatal crashes. The NTSB recommended that all states prohibit holders of learner's permits or a class DJ or MJ license from using wireless mobile telephones while driving.

This bill takes the unnecessary distractions of cell phones and hands-free devices out of the hands of drivers possessing only a learner's permit or a class DJ or MJ license.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.