Cell phones have some valley teens driving while distracted

There he was, zipping through the streets, one eye on traffic and the other on the stereo as he cranked up the volume to his favorite song.

His cell phone rang and he dropped his gaze to see who was calling.

That's when it happened.

BAM!

"Because I was so involved with my phone, I didn't see the car and ended up getting in a wreck," says 19-year-old Matt Heuburg, who experienced the dangers of talking while driving firsthand.

"It's obviously a major distraction that takes your focus away from the road, where it should be," he says. "You're thinking more about your conversation on the phone than the car stopped in front of you."

For many teenagers, it's all about sending that last text message as the traffic light turns green, or answering the phone before it goes to voice mail. What appears to be a harmless and menial habit, however, can turn into a deadly and life altering experience.

"You think it will only take a second, but in that second you can change you or someone else's life drastically," says Bill Cassell, a Las Vegas police officer.

"When you're behind the wheel, you're the only thing controlling that 3,000-pound vehicle. All of your attention needs to be on driving that car."

While many would agree that using a cell phone while driving can be a danger, teens still admit to doing it anyway.

"As teenagers, we have to constantly be connected to our friends," says Maggie Thomas, a senior at Palo Verde High School. "I know when I get a text or a phone call while I'm driving I always answer it, and I really shouldn't."

"I think people talk on their cell phones because it saves time," adds 19-year-old Matt Levin. "What else can you really do while driving?"

As the use of cell phones while driving becomes prevalent among teens, politicians are talking about banning or limiting the use of these devices.

"It's only a matter of time before someone puts a bill up to ban cell phones while driving," Cassell says. "Unfortunately, it will most likely be the consequence of a tragedy."

Nevada lawmakers first introduced legislation in April 1999 to ban cell phones while driving. In November of 2001, Clark County also attempted to ban the use of cell phones while driving.

Both proposals were rejected, to the dismay of some.

"I think it should be against the law to drive and talk on the phone," says Sylvia Hagen, parent of a 16-year-old driver. "If you must talk, then pull over. Get off the road. Take care of your business and then drive."

While many states such as California, New York and Connecticut, are taking extra measures to prohibit the use of cell phones on the road, Nevada seems to be doing just the opposite.

In March 2003, the Nevada Legislature passed a bill banning local restrictions on the use of cell phones, satellite phones or any other electronic devices.

"I feel as though human beings should be intelligent enough to decide whether talking on their cell phones is safe or not," Levin says. "If they feel they can do it without endangering other drivers then they should be able to. But I hope people would judge their ability conservatively."

While there does not appear to be any type of ban pending, in the meantime, some teens are still learning the hard way about the dangers of using a cell phone while behind the wheel.

"It changed my driving habits," says Heuburg of his accident. "I rarely talk on the phone while driving anymore."