Patrick wrote on September 08, 2008 03:09 PM: By outlawing cell phone use in cars (hands-free use is still legal if you are over 18, and all cell phone use is still OK if you are driving a commercial vehicle, which makes the law even stupider), California distracts from the real problem -- the failure to pay full attention while driving. And here's the news flash the California do-gooders missed: Inattentive behavior behind the wheel is already against the law in California, as it is in every other state in the union.
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california dui
Patrick

TonyH wrote on July 08, 2008 12:50 PM: Mr Frederick -

Laws are often written to make existing laws more specific, so there's nothing unnecessary about this one. It's reasonable to limit use to older (and presumably more experienced) drivers, and to limit use to handsfree devices, although most studies that show the danger of cell phone use in cars also show that danger is only partially reduced by use of handsfree devices.

As a daily motorcyclist, I have a better view than most of what drivers in cars and trucks are doing when they make mistakes - and the single most frequent thing is talking (or worse, dialing or texting) on a cell phone that's held in the hand.

The only thing that creates a greater hazard on this city's roads are those drivers who seem to think stop signs, "must turn" or "no turn" directives, and similar road rules appy to everyone but themselves. Unfortunately, this group is nearly as large as those too frugal to by a $35 handsfree device for their phone.

I've given up on the idea of asking people to watch for motorcycles - now, I'd be happy is they simply watched the road!

John Galt wrote on July 07, 2008 02:45 PM: I suspect the various driving while distracted laws are vague -- is that why they aren't enforced? Driving while texting is very specific as is driving while on the phone.

I'd like to hear from police officers. Do judges throw those tickets out? Is it against policy to issue tickets for distracted or inattentive driving?

Jim wrote on July 07, 2008 10:21 AM: Thank you, Sherman. Note to gerbil boy, tim, etal--it may keep one from falling asleep at the wheel, especially when it's ringing. Unless you have it on vibrate. Ewwwww.

tim wrote on July 06, 2008 07:51 PM: if it's up your a#@ you can't use it gerbil boy,duh.therefore better driver, maybe.

Gerbil Fan wrote on July 06, 2008 02:41 PM: Vic. How is the phone up my a$s going to make me a better driver. Call me, I'm game.

Helen Weils wrote on July 06, 2008 12:45 PM: That is so typical of California. Pump up the revenues by finding a new ticket to hand out. What a bunch of
revenuers. If you love more bureaucracy vote for Democrats, remember Erin Kenny and her plot to pass this law here? Meanwhile she's
"on her knees" asking Gilardi for money.

J wrote on July 06, 2008 09:47 AM: Um, Sherman. I think you got it wrong about still using your phone in a commercial vehicle. There have already been reports of truck drivers being ticketed.

The most outrages one is the truck driver who received his ticket, while parked in a truck stop, before he shut the truck off to go inside to eat, he decided to call home.

Well what do you know, there are sheriff's patrolling the parking lots, to hand out tickets. IT IS JUST ANOTHER FORM OF REVENUE!

So be warned visitors to The Peoples Republic of California, the law states, it is "ILLEGAL TO USE YOUR NON HANDS FREE PHONE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING"!

Vegas Vic wrote on July 06, 2008 05:55 AM: Thank you Sherman but I'll keep my bumper sticker out there. I'm sure many know what it says but if not...:
"I'll bet you'd drive better if I shoved that phone up your a**!"