Banning Cell phones while driving

Im happy that this law is going to be enforced. I get tired of people merging almost into me while im riding just chatting away on their cell phones. I also know that people are still going to talk on their phones but this is a step towards stopping the bad cell phone drivers..



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NAVY COMPASS - Top_Stories

Hands-free cell phone laws effective July 1

By Gunnery Sgt. Laura Gawecki
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

SAN DIEGO--On July 1, two state laws affecting the use of cell phones while driving will take effect. The first law prohibits all drivers from using handheld wireless telephones while driving. Drivers age 18 and over must use an ear piece or similar hands-free device. The other law also taking effect July 1, prohibits drivers under age 18 from using a wireless or hands-free device while driving.

"The under eighteen law is going to be a big difference (in affecting traffic safety)," said California Highway Patrol spokesperson, Jaime Coffee. "They (those under age 18) can’t send messages to their friends or text, and this will remove the distractions so that they can focus on the task at hand: driving."

California is one of 14 states, and the District of Columbia, to prohibit cell phone use by those under 18, according to the American Automobile Association.

Those 18 and over are still free to text message. However, an officer can pull over and cite drivers of any age if the officer believes the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely, according to the law.

The fine for the first offense is $20. Subsequent convictions are $50.

Violators will not receive a point on their driver’s licenses if convicted of driving while using a hand-held device, but the violation will appear on their driving record, according to the California Highway Patrol media relations office.

On base, violators of the law will receive a ticket and points toward their base driving privileges, but no fine, according to Maj. Gregory S. Rooker, Provost Marshal, Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Points are assessed by the base magistrate, and the average penalty for using a hand-held device while driving is two to four points, said Rooker. The level of the penalty is left to the discretion of the magistrate, he said.

Military family members who receive an on-base ticket must go to the magistrate court downtown to receive a fine, said Rooker.

"We are hoping for fewer tickets," said Rooker. "We have given warnings for a long time and posted the law at all the gates. After July 1, we will issue tickets."

 

I'm all for it. I was in a 2-door Explorer Sport, and was hit from behind by a gal in a Suburban going about 50. I was stopped, traffic in front of me was stopped, and I had nowhere to go to get out of the way. There was a good mile long line of sight, and she was talking to her babysitter!

Hang up and drive!

 

yea, as of tomorrow the only step added to driving and talking on the phone is the look around in your mirrors to see if there is a cop in sight

 

Yes In deed

Will see how thing goes, It is sure a good start.

 

Spent the last few days dodging the ediots that are now pulling over side of the road/freeway so they can take calls. Get some frigging blueteeths people!!!

And screw California and our nanny-laws. They based the cellnphone thing after old studies done when there were no hands free devices. Everything accepted now shows that hands free or holding the phone, people drive no different. Bottom line people turn into arrr-tards when talking on the phone period.

Next on the list is the ban on pets in your lap and a ban on helium balloons. Our legislature should be focusing on passing the now overdue budget.

 

I like the "blueteeths", SLO... :smile:

What I saw this A.M. was a car weaving back and forth, driver talking and looking preoccupied. I think that he was trying to figure out how to get his "Hands Free" device to work right.

 

I'm behind you 100% on this point of view. I have a hard time understanding why people can carry on a conversation with other occupants of their cars without any problem (mostly anyways) but soon as you put this conversation on the phone, hands free or not, their attention to driving seems to find its way into the back seat ashtray. Someone explain this one to me. Type slow...Double space please. I can be a little slow at my age.

 

I had a blue tooth once. Then I stopped sucking on cheap pens and they went away.