Issue Date: 10/2/06
Banning cell phones on the road
By Brian Joseph
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The law, which will take effect in July 2008, prohibits motorists from holding a cell phone while driving.
It establishes fines and requires motorists to use hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or an earplug.
The law is intended to cut down on traffic accidents. Hand-held cell phones contributed to six fatal accidents in the state last year, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Palomar student Rocky Orozco agreed with the law, "Many times I have been cut off by people talking on their cell phones," Orozco said.
Orozco said, someone on a cell phone hit him while he was driving in Oklahoma and the law should be enforced in every state. "It's not that difficult to pull over if it's (the phone call) that important," Orozco said.
For Californians, this could have more effect on their lives than any other new piece of legislation signed this year.
Similar laws are in place in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.
"The simple fact is, it's dangerous to talk on your cell phone while driving," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. CHP data show that cell phones are the No. 1 cause of distracted-driving accidents.
"So getting people's hands off their phones and onto their steering wheels is going to make a big difference in road safety," Schwarzenegger said.
Palomar student Malik Legree disagreed with the new law, "I think it's crazy…people eat and read while they drive, cell phones are getting a bad rap."
Palomar student Elena Fowler disagreed, "It's to dangerous to have one hand on your cell phone and one on the wheel while every one else is doing the same thing."
If cited, motorists would get fined $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent ones.
The citation would be an infraction, not a moving violation, which boosts insurance rates.
Stephanie Tombrinck of The Telescope contributed to this story.
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