Driving with one hand on the wheel and the other on a cell phone is no longer an option for drivers here in California. The state's new hands-free cell phone law went into effect yesterday. Effective immediately, some 22.9 million licensed California motorists have to put down their cell phones or risk a ticket.
The minimum fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. With the addition of penalty assessments, the fines can be more than triple the base fine amount, PLUS court fees.
Authorities are hoping the new law will reduce traffic accidents. Several studies have shown that using cell phones distract drivers and may increase accidents, although there is scant evidence that using a hands-free device mitigates the problem.
Forcing motorists to use hands-free devices won't eliminate the distraction of an engrossing conversation or heated argument but it might reduce fender-benders by forcing drivers to keep at least one hand on the wheel.
Time will tell if there's an improvement and less distracted drivers on the road. I can't tell you how many times I have almost been hit by someone not paying attention.
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