California Goes hands-free.

California goes hands free.
It seems as if things are turning around for the people of California because after years of using the cell phone by holding it, now they will have to use a hands-free device.
18 months after a new law was passed in California, prohibiting drivers from using a handheld wireless phone while operating a vehicle, people are lining up at their local wireless cell phone store to get a hands free device. This law, which goes in to effect today, was passed because of the many accidents that have been caused by drivers who were holding their cell phone with one hand, while steering with the other. According to Joshua Cohen, who is a researcher for the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, it is calculated that around 2,600 people die each year as a result of the use of the technology. Harvard researchers estimate about one in 20 U.S. traffic accidents involve a driver talking on a cell phone, and Another 330,000 people are believed injured. The study also says that laws banning cellular phone use while driving would cost society about $700,000 for each quality-adjusted life year saved. They also state that it is unclear whether hands-free phones are safer than handheld phones. Another law that was passed is the one that prohibits people under the age of 18 from using cell phones while driving. Any adult, who is found with a cell phone on his or her ear, and is convicted for it, will be fined 20 dollars. If they keep on getting convicted, they will be fined 50 dollars. You will not receive a point on your license if you get convicted for this violation. However, it will appear on your record. There will be no second opportunities to rectify your mistake. Once you get caught, you will have to pay. There is one exception to the rule. Only commercial drivers will be able to use their phones the regular way. The people that will be in charge of enforcing this law will be the highway patrol. I think that the law has to change a bit. For example, you will be able to dial, but it is discouraged. So, if people are still going to be doing this, in my opinion, we are still going to be at the same spot. Texting is still aloud. Again, what is going to be the big difference? Also, what is going to happen on those times when and if an officer is not around? I do not understand! One of the laws prohibits teens from using cell phones while driving because of what studies have showed. Is there really a difference between someone who is 16 and someone who is 18 or 19? I think the difference is Very little. Why can’t they make these laws fair by applying the same punishment for all?
Sources: http://www.knx1070.com/New-Cell-Phone-Laws-in-California/2350610
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/12/02/tech/main531320.shtml

www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press07242000.html