State legislators are looking at possible ways to help reduce the number of teens involved in fatal accidents.

The legislators plan to accomplish this by reviewing current driving regulations and considering laws to restrict the use of cell phones and to impose stiffer penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol, without seat belts or without insurance.

Also of concern is the number of teens in a vehicle at one time, which could create a distraction for the driver. Recently a teen was killed in an accident when thrown from a car that collided with a train. Last year, four Shelby County teen drivers were involved in fatal accidents.

The idea behind possible new or stiffer penalties is to limit the number of distractions teen drivers are faced with.

While common sense is the best policy, teens often do things that put them at risk such as piling too many people into a vehicle, talking on cell phones or playing music way too loud while they drive.

While parents must do their part to teach their teens to be safe drivers, stricter laws that could result in stiff fines might also help to additionally encourage teens to be safe.

All of these things certainly can distract teens, but why does the new legislature stop when it comes to adults?

Adults who talk on cell phones while driving don&8217;t pay as much attention to the road as well. Adults also text message, fiddle with stereos and multi-task while driving.

It&8217;s something our legislators should consider, while they are already examining driver safety laws.