North Carolina took two major steps for traffic safety recently by passing a bill banning cell phone usage by drivers under the age of 17 and requiring all rear-seat passengers in a vehicle to wear a seat belt.

“Teen-agers have enough of a challenge learning to drive,” said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “That is not when they also need to be learning how to talk on a cell phone while driving.”

The fine for driving and illegally talking on a phone is $25 and may delay an upgrade in driving privileges for six months.

While enforcement may be difficult, co-sponsor Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson County, said the law alerts young drivers that talking on a phone while driving is a dangerous distraction. The law goes into effect Dec. 1.

(AAA Carolinas provides free new driver brochures titled “Welcoming Your New Driver,” “Become the New Driver in Your Family” and “Driving Contracts.” An interactive DVD called Driver-Zed is available for $20 and is ideal for teaching new drivers how to assess risk. All can be ordered by calling 888-274-4459.)

Also becoming law on December 1 is a requirement for all back seat passengers riding in North Carolina to buckle up. Nationally, more than 40 percent of all traffic vehicle fatalities are back seat passengers (the statistics exclude motorcycle or pedestrian deaths).

Unsecured back seat riders can generate deadly forces in a crash. A 150-pound male, for example, in a 30 mph crash becomes a 4,500-pound mass (150 X 30) flying uncontrollably within the vehicle. The fine is $10, with no license or insurance points.