difenbaker
09-15-2006, 09:17 AM
Posted on Fri, Sep. 15, 2006
Bill signing today to make drivers put down phones
HANDS-FREE DEVICES, HEADSETS REQUIRED STARTING IN 2008
By Steve Geissinger
MediaNews Sacramento Bureau
SACRAMENTO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will sign a bill today making California the fourth state in the nation to outlaw speaking on cell phones while driving unless the driver is using a headset or other hands-free device, his office announced Thursday.
The signing ceremony is scheduled at the Oakland Airport Hilton.
The governor has said in the past that studies show drivers and passengers ``get injured or die because of being on the phone'' and that ``we have to do everything we can to halt that.'' But he had stopped short of endorsing the bill by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto.
Thursday's announcement ended speculation that Simitian's bill would fall short for a sixth straight year.
Supporters include insurers and law enforcement groups across the state, and there is little remaining opposition. Though it may be difficult to enforce, police agencies in the traffic-clogged Bay Area and Los Angeles regions say they will try.
``We hope there will be voluntary compliance,'' said Capt. Ronald Marbrey of the Los Angeles Police's Valley Traffic Division. ``But an individual just driving down the road, and being in control, may get stopped.''
The measure requires drivers to use hands-free devices such as headsets and speakerphones.
It would impose a $20 fine for a first infraction and $50 for subsequent violations, beginning Jan. 1, 2008. That leaves a year for the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies to educate the public.
Unlike other moving violations, these infractions would not affect car insurance rates.
more here:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/15525348.htm
cheers!
Bill signing today to make drivers put down phones
HANDS-FREE DEVICES, HEADSETS REQUIRED STARTING IN 2008
By Steve Geissinger
MediaNews Sacramento Bureau
SACRAMENTO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will sign a bill today making California the fourth state in the nation to outlaw speaking on cell phones while driving unless the driver is using a headset or other hands-free device, his office announced Thursday.
The signing ceremony is scheduled at the Oakland Airport Hilton.
The governor has said in the past that studies show drivers and passengers ``get injured or die because of being on the phone'' and that ``we have to do everything we can to halt that.'' But he had stopped short of endorsing the bill by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto.
Thursday's announcement ended speculation that Simitian's bill would fall short for a sixth straight year.
Supporters include insurers and law enforcement groups across the state, and there is little remaining opposition. Though it may be difficult to enforce, police agencies in the traffic-clogged Bay Area and Los Angeles regions say they will try.
``We hope there will be voluntary compliance,'' said Capt. Ronald Marbrey of the Los Angeles Police's Valley Traffic Division. ``But an individual just driving down the road, and being in control, may get stopped.''
The measure requires drivers to use hands-free devices such as headsets and speakerphones.
It would impose a $20 fine for a first infraction and $50 for subsequent violations, beginning Jan. 1, 2008. That leaves a year for the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies to educate the public.
Unlike other moving violations, these infractions would not affect car insurance rates.
more here:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/15525348.htm
cheers!