Many California Motorists Ignore Cell Phone Law

Talking on a cell phone while driving was banned in California two years ago. It seems as though that law is being ignored because estimates show a half-million tickets have been issued so far.

The San Bernardino Sun www.sanbernardinosun.com reported that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that talking on a cell phone while behind the wheel has become the leading factor contributing to crashes blamed on inattentive drivers. "You can't watch the road, it's really the distraction factor, " CHP Officer Daniel Hasser said. "The physical act of holding the phone does limit your ability." The law took effect on July 1, 2008 and since that time, 16 deaths, over 1,200 collisions and over 850 people have been injured statewide in accidents which can be attributed partly to cell phones. Hasser went on to say, "There are people that once it became law, they stopped doing it. But I think it's still pretty rampant." An important note from the National Safety Council shows that 28 percent of traffic crashes occur when people talk on cell phones or send text messages while driving. That turns out to be about 1.4 million a year. One thing that could get drivers attention is the cost of a high priced ticket. Jonathan Adkins of the Governors Highway Safety Association said, "The Obama administration is seeking funds for state distracted-driving grants, and there is support in Congress. Drivers will not obey the law unless they will get a ticket." Fines are likely to double to about $250.00 on January 1, 2011 for using a hand-held phone or texting under new legislation that is expected to be signed into law.