Jul 1, 2008 2:09 am US/Pacific
Driving And Dialing? Better Be 'Hands-Free'
LOS ANGELES
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If this photo was taken Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, this driver would have been fined. (File)
CBS
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Beginning at midnight, California drivers caught using a hand-held cell phone will learn that talk isn't cheap.
The penalty for a first offense is $20. The fine is more than doubled for a second offense.
Drivers 18 and older can still use hands-free equipment to operate their cell phones, but drivers under 18 will be prohibited from using any type of phone while behind the wheel.
"Today is the day to invest in a hands-free device for your cell phone. Or, here's an even cheaper method: Don't answer your cell phone while you're driving. That's what voice mail is for," said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry.
"This will mark new protections for drivers, not only drivers, but their passengers and anybody who's on the road," added Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles.
Drivers that use phones on the road are four times more likely to get involved in an accident than those who do not, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that was published in the British Medical Journal in July 2005.
"Irresponsible cell phone luxury is pushing your luck. You simply can't drive safely. It's been proven," said Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello.
However, the study also found that hands-free devices don't necessarily make talking on the phone while driving any more safe.
Department of Transportation officials recommended that drivers avoid emotional conversations that could lead them to lose focus while talking.
If drivers need to make an emergency call, they will be exempted from the new laws.
And though text messaging while driving is not prohibited, it is be strongly discouraged.
"It is not safe at any speed to basically divert your attention away from driving and try to manipulate those devices," said Los Angeles police Capt. Todd Chamberlain.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
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