Californians and Washingtonians, Put Down Those Cell Phones

If you live in California or Washington state, you’ve probably already been bombarded with news stories about a law going into effect today banning handheld communication while driving. Basically, you must now talk using hands-free devices, like Bluetooth headsets or speakerphones, when you’re behind the wheel or you’ll face fines from your local constable. 

Cars.com is based in Chicago, where we’ve had a ban on handheld phones for three years now. Roughly 25,000 tickets ranging from $50 to $200 have been issued. That’s versus a few hundred thousand tickets for parking violations. A lawsuit was recently filed calling Chicago’s law intentionally vague, with no postage of signs telling visitors there is such a ban, and asserting that “hands-free” still requires interaction with devices using one’s digits — namely accepting a call, dialing a number, etc. Anecdotally, we still see plenty of people yapping on their handsets. A few weeks ago, three Cars.com staffers witnessed a pedestrian hit in front of our offices by an SUV driver on a handset. 

Studies have shown that just the act of participating in a conversation is as distracting as driving while under the influence. 

We weigh in on the side of moderation mixed with good technology. Many hands-free devices — like Bluetooth headsets — can pick up an incoming call without forcing a driver to reach for a handset. Also, many new cars have voice-activated dialing, like what you get with Ford’s Sync system. 

We wish our friends in California and Washington luck juggling the new law. Let us know if you run into any enforcement of the law.

Comments

you cited that studies show engaging in conversations is the dangerous act, which to me means whether you use bluetooth or just your dirty fingers to hold the phone. kinda makes sense -- the only difference during the conversation between the two is whether there's one hand free.

why don't states ban manual transmissions or cup holders??? shifting a manual requires one hand to be often occupied with something other than the stering wheel (and the left foot is busy too, how distracting!). drinking coffee takes your eyes off the road (do you dare spilling hot coffee in your lap again?).

requiring hands-free sets is the dumbest thing ever.

I am with you on this DL. Fox news did a test and hands free only marginally improved drivers ability to drive and talk. The act of the conversation seems to be what did the most of the damage to driving skills. I have made this argument before and people claimed to me having someone talking to you in the car is no different but I disagree with that too. The passenger conversions seem to take less focus and it. It is easy to pause when something requires thought it seems when it is a passenger. I also think it takes less concentration to focus on talking to someone next to you then someone on the phone.

DL,

Then how about putting the 2 together? Cell phone and a manual?

Don't say it doesn't happen, because my bud does it all the time with his 03 Vibe GT.