The new cell phone law will be in effect July 1, 2008. I fully support the law insomuch as I don't think people should be driving while holding the phone and talking on it. But why should we talk on the phone at all while driving? I mean, can't you get to Starbucks without making an important phone call? Of course, I am just as guilty of this as others, but I don't think having a Bluetooth will make a difference. You still have to dial your phone, and can by law, and you're still carrying on a converstion which is distracting no matter whether you're holding the phone or not.
But get this, and this is the most ridiculous part, it's not illegal to text and drive. Don't hold your phone and talk with one hand while driving with the other, that's too distracting, but by all means, text away. Hold it with one hand and press the letters with the other, don't forget to check your e-mail while you're at it. And oh, don't you have some important thoughts to add to your blog?? What better time than when you are just killing time driving. Wait, did I just say "killing"? Let me share the exact wording on the CA.gov website which lets you know with this new law that it's A-okay to text, as long as it does not distract you from driving your 2 ton killing machine, of course:
"Q: Does the new “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text message while driving?A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Sending text messages while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged."
Well gee, at least it's strongly discouraged.......
