The Illinois Legislature has approved a bill that is designed to cut cell phone use by teen drivers.

Senators voted 41-16 May 25 to advance the bill to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. It passed the House the previous week.

Sponsored by Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, SB210 would prohibit any person who has a driver’s permit or a graduated license from using a cell phone while driving. The bill would allow use of the phones in emergencies, such as calling police or an ambulance.

Unlike many similar bills, the measure does not make an exception for phones used in conjunction with a “hands-free” device.

It would apply only to drivers under age 18.

The bill’s passage follows arecent study by the University of Utah that found that when drivers between the ages of 18 and 25 talk on cell phones, they drive like elderly people – moving and reacting more slowly and increasing their risk of accidents.