What Californians Think of the Ratification of the New California Cell Phone Ticket Laws
California drivers now have one more thing to infringe on the privacy of their own cars, the new California Cell Phone Ticket law. Although you are in public while driving, and you really do not have privacy in your vehicle, Californians are outraged over this new safety law.
A study cited way back on February 1st, 2005 by LiveScience.com details the concerns over cell phones and driving:
A new study confirms that the reaction time of cell phone users slows dramatically, increasing the risk of accidents and tying up traffic in general, and when young adults use cell phones while driving, they're as bad as sleepy septuagenarians.
"If you put a 20-year-old driver behind the wheel with a cell phone, their reaction times are the same as a 70-year-old driver who is not using a cell phone," said University of Utah psychology professor David Strayer. "It's like instantly aging a large number of drivers."
The study was announced today and is detailed in the winter issue of the quarterly journal Human Factors.
Being a California resident, I knew this was coming for a number of years. I was in a no fault accidents around 6 years ago and right there near the top of the accident report, filled out by the police on-scene, was the question as to whether any of the drivers were using their cell phones when the accident occurred. I knew then that cell phones and accidents were a big problem.
Being a Californian who used to ‘save my return calls for the commute’, I have to say that it is an inconvenience, but it is funny how I can now spot most of the cell phone drivers on the road before I ever see the cell phone at their ear. This is concerning as I used to be one of these drivers. Now, I sit in my car before leaving for my destination and return my calls. I actually think the folks I speak with appreciate my full attention during the call.
Anyway, here is what some others have to say about the new California Cell Phone Ticket Laws:
“Cell phones make drivers as bad as drunks.”
“Cell phones are becoming a major nuisance to our driving pleasure and safety, especially on San Rafael’s 2nd & 3rd streets. The new hands-free July, 2008 Californian law will not solve these problems. This has been proven in New York City which has had “hands free” for a few years.”
“I believe we need to implement “Cell Phone Free Zones” (CPFZs); especially on the major streets leading to Highway 101.”
The California Department of Motor Vehicles notes that the fine for violating the cell phone laws will be $20 for a First offense and $50 for a second or subsequent conviction. There is also a penalty assessment, which basically comes out to be three times the amount of the fine plus a state surcharge and administrative fees that can be tacked on.
Do you have a California cell phone ticket story to share? Please call us at 800.850.8038 or FightMyTrafficTicket.com, a service provided by Ticket Busters of California (TicketBust.com).
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