LA Drivers Say Goodbye to the Cell Phone

 

By: Amy Fortunato

Published: June 26, 2008     

 

Beginning July 1st a law will go into effect that will undoubtedly affect every driver in Los Angeles. Cell phone usage is no longer welcome on the road, so drivers keep both hands on the wheel! Sound silly? Then you might be answering to an officer asking you to keep both hands where they can see them. This new law signed by Governor Schwarzenegger makes California the 4th state to initiate a law banning cell phones while driving. This is sure to affect even those outside of California lines, since LA is such a popular place to visit. California joins New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey in making banned cell phone usage on the road a primary enforcement. Washington State has made it a secondary enforcement. This means that an officer may not primarily pull you over for using your cell phone, but if you are talking on your cell phone while speeding, count on getting a ticket. California has gone and made the switch from no law to a primary enforcement. This is anticipated to have an influence on the rest of the nation, as California tends to be a trendsetter. 

 

The main idea behind the law is safety, which is an important issue because driving a car not only affects you, but those around you. Those against the law may argue that they are perfectly capable of driving in stop-and-go traffic, with one hand on the wheel and the other cradling an iPhone. Perhaps they claim to have full ability to scan ahead, properly check their blind spots, and regale all the latest details of their day while driving 65 mph. Regardless, the car in front or in back of you may not be.  How many times have you been nearly sideswiped by the vehicle next to you while you glimpse the driver clenching a phone in their other hand? Countless.

 

Driving while talking on your cell phone is an activity considered dangerous, yet still people take the risk.  Part of this is due to the mentality that "something won't happen to me," and also to the belief that it is safe to multi-task while driving. Do not forget that driving in and of itself requires multi-tasking. You need to look in your mirrors, check your blind spot, and scan ahead. However, none of these require the removal of a hand off the wheel. Even in the scenario of driving a stick shift, the driver is still using both hands to drive. The wheel and stick shift are necessary. A cell phone is not. Using your cell phone safely while driving is the ultimate idea behind this law. Ideally, it is safest to save conversations for when you can afford to be distracted. Not only do you need both hands on the wheel, you should have both eyes on the road.

 

With a new law, come new citations. LA residents are no strangers to traffic citations, which become expensive quickly. Luck forbid having to reclaim your vehicle after it has been towed. Now anyone driving in California while talking on their cell phone is given an initial $76 fine imposed to first time offenders. Do it again, and plan on handing over $190 each time. The base amount of the fine is $20 for the first, and $50 for any subsequent occurrence. However, with the addition of penalty assessments the fine becomes $76 for the first time, and $190 each time afterward.  With gas prices being what they are, drivers in LA are not going to want to fork over any extra, especially concerning something that is in their control. 

 

This law is rather black and white, leaving exception to be only in the case of emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, fire department or medical facility.  The consequences will go on your personal driving record, although this infraction will not accrue violation points from the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). An important thing to keep in mind is that there will be no grace period. No ifs, ands or buts beginning July 1^st. It will be against the law. Police officers may pull anyone over solely on the grounds of operating their vehicle while using their cell phone.  This isn't an additional slap on the wrist that only affects you if you are breaking another law. It's an offense in of itself. Logically, if you are speeding, or driving recklessly, and using your cell phone, the fines will just pile up faster than the 101 in rush hour. 

 

Hands-free devices are allowed however, so now is a good time to bring out the ear bud or Bluetooth. Naturally people will have mixed reactions about having to use a device because it is hard to change something when it has become a habit. It might seem cumbersome to have to worry about plugging in an ear bud, or putting an earpiece in your ear before you start the engine, but it certainly beats the alternative. This allowance is only for drivers over the age of 18 however. As less experienced drivers often means younger drivers, those under the age of 18 are not allowed any cell phone usage, even with a hands-free device. This is the second law concerning cell phones that California has passed. It will also go into effect July 1^st.  The reasoning is that a new driver already has enough to focus on without being distracted by a phone conversation. Life is fast paced and the ability to multi-task is encouraged in our busy city. The state has decided though, that driving is task enough.

If you always drive the same car, try leaving a hands free device there so you never have to worry about forgetting to bring it with you. Always changing vehicles for work or because you live in a multi-car household? Try keeping one in your briefcase or purse so that it will always be on your person. Nothing is worse than being caught unprepared. Rather, just avoid getting caught by not delving into soon-to-be illegal activity. People can call back, and there is always that trusty old voicemail. If it is really important, they will leave a message. Really, they will. Meanwhile battle LA traffic with both hands and leave the talking on the phone to those with two feet on the ground.