In July of 2005, Senate Bill 210, dealing with teen cell phone use while driving, was signed into law by Governor Rod Blagojevich. This law prohibits the use of any wireless cell phone, regular or hands-free, by anyone driving under the age of 19 while possessing an instructional permit or graduated driver's license.

Research presented to a gathering of the nation's top transportation safety leaders showed that the simple act of talking on a cell phone while driving is uniquely distracting, no matter what style is in use.

Talking on a cell phone can put an experienced driver at five times the risk of being involved in a serious accident, which could result in injuries to yourself or other drivers. In addition, research has shown driving while talking on a cell phone can impair a driver's reactionary abilities almost as much as driving while intoxicated.

So Please Take Note: regardless of your age, distracted driving is an accident waiting to happen.