Are cell phone laws in the U.S. effective in reducing fatal crashes involving young drivers?

Cell phone laws prohibiting individuals from texting or using the phone while driving have been much debated in the United States. Currently, 33 states have passed cell phone laws targeting only young and novice drivers, while 10 states have similar laws for all drivers regardless of age. This paper examines the efficacy of state cell phone laws in reducing non-alcohol related fatal crashes involving drivers under the age of 21. We found that handheld cell phone bans targeting all drivers reduced fatal crashes involving young drivers, but there was insufficient evidence that complete cell phone bans targeting only young drivers reduced fatal crashes. In addition, the effect of graduated licensing programs was insignificant for the period 2000–2010.

► This study focuses on non-alcohol related fatal crashes involving drivers aged 14-20.
► Efficacy of state cell phone laws in reducing non-alcohol related fatal crashes.
► There was insufficient evidence that cellphone bans for only young drivers reduced fatal crashes.