Reminder for california drivers

[jussi]

California Passes Cell Phone Law
Effective July 1, 2008, the legislation prohibits drivers from using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle unless the driver uses a hands-free device. Drivers who violate the law will face a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.
The law allows drivers to use a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, drivers of commercial vehicles to use push-to-talk phones until July 1, 2011, and allow drivers of emergency response vehicles to use a cell phone without a hands-free device.
Special Provisions for Novice Drivers: Prohibits any mobile device use by any driver under age 18. Emergency calls are exempted. (Effective 7/1/2008)
Other Restrictions: Use of cellular phones while driving a school or transit bus is prohibited. Rental cars with cellular phone equipment must include written operating instructions concerning its safe use. Effective 7/2008, all drivers must use hands free device, except for emergencies, and drivers of emergency response vehicles (commercial vehicle drivers exempted from requirement until 2011).
CHP Wireless Telephone FAQs (PDF)

[sparkeyjames]

Good going California. I have a one way commute to work of 11 miles. One morning I decided to see just how many drivers I could count with a cell phone glued to their ears. I gave up at 30 at the 8 mile mark due to boredom. Thats 30+ drivers who could be a danger to me in an 11 mile commute. (yes I avoided counting the same drivers twice). I have seen drivers suddenly become conscious and shoot across 3 lanes to make a turn because there were so engrossed in there cell phone conversation they forgot where they were. Or the woman on her phone who was driving 45mph in the left center lane of a 4 lane highway during rush hour while everyone around her was trying to do 65mph. Or the driver who swerved in and out of their lane while trying to dial their phone just about side swiping the driver next to them.

Cell phone using drivers are every bit as dangerous as a drunk driver.

[Anna]

Of course the law does allow for texting while driving. So instead of phones glued to their ears, we'll keep seeing people with their eyes off the road.

[Pappy]

Of course the law does allow for texting while driving.

You are kidding, right?

[final_t]

The law also doesn't prevent someone from operating a laptop while driving, either.

The was a recent study that showed that it doesn't MATTER if it's a cell phone or not - just holding a conversation is a distraction, and never mind listening to sports or talk radio.

[182much]

Triple the fine

I've seen where traffic fines are doubled in construction zone.
They otta triple the fines if the person in on the damm phone

[rnelson0]

I wish them well with enforcement. All you need to do is claim it's an emergency. I also can't until you get to see a police officer driving down the road with his ear glued to a handset but no-one else is allowed.

[cwithboat]

In Washington state you have to be stopped for another violation before you can be ticketed ($101) for talking or texting on a wireless device.

[TB Roye]

Don't think it is going to work. Not enough police around to enforce it. They can't even keep the idiots out of the car pool lanes, whick I think are a joke anyway. It will be interesting to see if the Police obey the law. I see a lot of them driving around with the phone to the ear. There are a lot of electronic devices in the front seat area of the vehicles. Navagation systems, Laptops, DVD players, just a lot of distractions. When I worked for the CHP we were installing Laptops in all the cars, now they have even more stuff to look at and these officers are well trained. Ol'e Sally and Joe blow public are just accidents looking for a place to happen. I like the heads up display in my son's Pontiac GP kind of neat and doesn't seem to be to distracting. Now if it just had a gun sight and button on the steering wheel to launch a heat seeker all would be good.

Tom

[Anna]

You are kidding, right?

Nope. Not kidding at all.

[Raffi]

Look, there are plenty of laws already on the book about distracted driving. Adding one more will not solve the problem.

Enforce the existing laws, stop trying to legislate us to death.

Raffi

[rjwaldren]

It's not nearly strong enough... Similar to Washington they have to have another reason to stop you in the first place (swerving should count though). There was a time wearing headphones was banned, I see it all the time now, especially since many cell's are also MP3 players.

It amazes me how many people are having lively conversations on the road at 5am around here. I did get to watch a ladies phone ricochet off her windshield when she slammed on her brakes and nearly lost control exiting I-10 in Santa Monica recently. I'm sure she immediately had to call someone to tell them what happened. < Sense isn't so common these days.

[rjwaldren]

Enforce the existing laws, stop trying to legislate us to death.

Raffi

And make it reckless endangerment rather than a fine.

[Bill in Buena Park]

This didn't happen soon enough to suit me. I just hope that they'll find a way to enforce this - but I'd imagine it could be a good excuse to install more of those cameras like they have at major intersections to catch people who run red lights.

[JR]

...but I'd imagine it could be a good excuse to install more of those cameras like they have at major intersections to catch people who run red lights.

Didja see the article in the LA TImes this week? Something like 75% of the fines on those red light things are against people turning right on red.

JR