June 27, 2008

Hands off that phone

Get off the phone – now!

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Hands on the wheel – hands off the phone. If you haven’t heard about the new law by now, move from under that rock.

Beginning July 1, if you are caught with your cell phone up to your ear while driving your vehicle, you will be fined. The first time it will cost you $20, but additional penalties and fees can make it about $100. Every time after that, it’s $50, plus penalties and fees.

1. Drivers under 18 cannot talk on cell phones or send text messages.

2. Drivers 18 and older must use hands-free devices to talk on the cell phone.

In case of emergency calls to police or fire departments, you may use the cell in your car.

Passengers can use the phones without penalty. Truckers, but not commercial pickups, are exempt, and walkie-talkies and CB radios are OK to use.

Wireless devices such as Bluetooth are popular and come in several options and price ranges. Headsets can also be wired to the cell phone, but the headset cannot cover both ears. Speakerphones can be portable or installed in the car.

No points will be assessed against the driver, but the violation will be noted on the person’s DMV record.

The law doesn’t prohibit text messaging by adults, but that will probably be changed by law next year.

New York was the first state to prohibit cell phones while driving. Since 2001, Connecticut, New Jersey, Utah and now California have rules against it. At least 20 other states and 49 countries have restrictions.

Studies have shown that using a cell phone while driving is certainly a distraction and is linked to some accidents. It is only one way drivers can lose their attention to the road, however, the new law should help drivers keep their focus better.

Some companies, Exxon Mobil and Shell for example, ban any use of cell phones while operating company vehicles.