18 Aug 2007

Hands-Free Cell Phones and the Law

The selection of hands-free cell phones and accessories is being given a tremendous boost by the trend to legislate the use of phones while driving, as well as the technological advances that make hands-free cell phone use more convenient.

The dramatic increase in cell phone use has created an expectation that we're always available, and many of us are spending more and more time in our cars and we want to make that time productive. The problem, say safety advocates, is what happens when you put the phone to your ear while driving.

The idea of legislating cell phone use is gaining momentum. In late 1999, Brooklyn, Ohio, became the first city in the United States to pass an ordinance requiring hands-free cell phone equipment for automobile drivers using wireless phones.

Three states, New York, California and Connecticut and the District of Columbia, followed suit, implementing state-wide bans against hand-held cell phone calls while driving. Several other states restrict cell phone use by teenaged drivers. Many more are considering such legislation.

And now, with the exploding popularity in text messaging, and the corresponding concerns about distractions while driving, many states are also debating bans on texting while driving. Washington is the first state to pass such a law -- that ban takes effect in January 2008 and violations will result in a $101 fine.

However these bans on cell phone use while driving all make exceptions for drivers who use hands-free cell phone features such as speakerphone or headsets.

A driver safety study by the Federal Government and Virginia Tech found that it's driver inattention - from whatever cause - that leads to most accidents. Even looking away from the roadway for 2 seconds nearly doubles your chances of a crash or near crash.

While some argue that cell phones are no more of a distraction than eating while driving, which is not regulated, the fact remains that you must follow the law. And depending on where you are, it may be illegal to talk on the phone while behind the wheel unless you keep both hands free.

Cell phones with hands-free capabilities are available from all major cell phone service providers and manufacturers. If you're the multi-tasking type that must stay connected on the road, invest in a quality hands-free cell phone or headset. If you absolutely have to use your phone in the car, keep your hands on the wheel and your mind on the road.

Tips for Safer Driving While Phoning:

Get a hands-free cell phone or headset. Although it probably will not improve your ability to focus on road conditions, using a hands-free kit may make it easier to control your car.
Learn the features of your phone and take advantage of voice activated dialing, speaker phone, Bluetooth, and customized ring tones so that you can spend less time looking at your phone and more time watching the road.
Keep the conversation simple and save stressful exchanges for when you have attention to spare.

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