Some Time Has Passed. So What's Been Happening?

OK, so it's been a while since I last blogged here. Well, there was a reason for that - I actually got a real job and have been doing it due dilligence. I'm back now, so everyone settle down.

It's been over 7 months since the new wireless headset law was passed here in California. As of this past January 1st 2009, a new law prohibiting even texting from a wireless device while driving activated. Basically the intent of the new law is saying that even if you are seen holding a wireless device while driving you will be ticketed. As was recently tested here in Los Angeles this past week, a cell phone in speaker mode held in you hand is against the law.

It really doesn't matter though. For every 10 people I see talking on their cell phone, I'd say only 1 of them are using the device without holding the phone in their hands or otherwise using a wired or Bluetooth headset.

CHP officers out there, you continue to miss out on a very lucrative revenue stream by not citing those drivers still refusing to follow the law.

Ready or Not California, Hands-free Cell Phone Usage Will Be the Law

It's not a suprise to anyone. Drivers all over the State of California have been told for over a year now the days with a cellphone plastered to their ears while driving are numbered.

Coming this JUL 01, 2008 all users of cell phones must use a hands-free device while driving anywhere in the state, as in on any public road, highway, freeway or interstate. Wired, speaker/mic, Bluetooth... it doesn't matter so long as you can keep both hands on the wheel without being encumbered by holding the phone itself up to your head. I like engadget's take on the issue.

Now if anyone thinks that this will put a definative deterrent on people driving like Highway A-Holes, they are terribly wrong. I see more A-Holes showing up on the highways and byways of this state. I blame the "new cool" factor for the potential upsweep.

But there's another issue.

The experts (whoever they are) say that it's not the action of holding the phone up ot the ear that's been the contributing factor to being unsafe while driving, but rather the actual mental activity of focusing on a caller's voice and responding that really causes the problems associated with driving and cellphone suage. It appears that a driver cannot fully fuction safely while driving and talking on the phone in any way - hand's free or not.

So let's review;

- Driving with a cellphone up to your head while driving is not safe.
- Drivers utilizing a handsfree device to use a cellphone when driving is also not safe.
- The State of California says drivers have to use a handsfree device when using a cellphone.

It's all coming clear now, isn't it?