Texting Plays Role in Teen's Vehicle Death

According to an investigation, authorities now say a teen girl was texting on her cell phone shortly before she lost control of her car and crashed.

Kayla Preuss of Highland, Calif., who was killed back in May on the Interstate 10 Freeway in Redlands, died of head injuries.

Drunk driving and speeding are also reportedly being alleged in the fatal accident, but texting on the phone was reportedly proven by phone records.

The girl's cell phone was reportedly discovered on the floorboard of the car in an open position. Some 40 text messages had been sent over a three-hour period, the last of which was sent at 2:38 a.m., moments before the crash, according to a coroner's investigation.

On July 1, California enacted a new law that prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. Adults can use mobile phones while driving only if they have a hands-free device.

Though the new law restricts mobile phone use while driving, there is no language in the law to prohibit texting.