BY RICK PLUTA
Michigan Public Radio Network
A new law will soon ban cell phone use by probationary teen drivers unless they're using a hands-free device or reporting an emergency. Governor Rick Snyder signed "Kelsey's Law" Tuesday.
The law is named for Kelsey Raffaele. The 17-year-old Sault Sainte Marie girl was chatting with a friend on her phone when she crashed her car and was killed. Bonnie Raffaele said her daughter's death convinced her a law was needed, and she lobbied the Legislature for more than a year.
"I know that Kelsey is up in Heaven just clapping and screaming for joy over this because of the lives that can be saved." Raffaele said.
Michigan has already outlawed, for everyone, texting while driving. Governor Snyder said he would consider expanding the talking-and-driving ban to all drivers, but first wants to see how this new law works.
Copyright 2012, MPRN