Kanawha County's ambulance authority wants motorists to turn off their cell phones when driving through school zones.

The No Cell Phones in School Zones campaign was started two years ago, but authority spokesman Mike Jarrett says officials want to place more emphasis on the program this year.

Kanawha County has 72 schools and Jarrett says it's important for motorists to pay attention when passing by a school when students are present.

He says studies have shown that accidents can occur when people drive and talk on their cell phones.

Jarrett says he hopes the campaign catches on in the state's 54 other counties. Similar campaigns have been discussed in school districts in other states.

Currently, West Virginia law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from talking on their cell phones for any reason other than an emergency.