Here are a few new driving laws that will take effect on January 1, 2010:

• New Oregon Laws 2010: Oregon is banning the use of handheld devices for all drivers, including text messaging. Also, drivers under 18 cannot use a cell phone of any type while driving.

• New Illinois Laws 2010: Illinois will ban the use of handheld cell phones in school and construction zones.

• New Kansas Laws 2010: Kansas will ban cell phone use, including text messaging, for drivers who have learner's permits and intermediate licenses.

• New Hampshire Laws 2010: New Hampshire will ban text messaging for all drivers.

There are now statewide bans on driving while talking on a hand-held cellular phone in seven states--California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, Washington and the District of Columbia--and texting is banned for all drivers in 19 states.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 6,000 Americans died in 2008 in auto accidents involving a distracted driver. In that same year, more than 500,000 drivers were injured in similar crashes.