Hands free? Not yet

The Mercury News reports that there hasn't exactly been a run on hands-free cellphone in the wake of the new state law requiring it:

Less than three months before a new state law goes into effect requiring drivers 18 and over to use hands-free cell phone devices when behind the wheel, not many motorists are beating a path to the nearest phone store. "Our customers appear to be unaware of the details of the new law," said Phil Malaspina of Wireless World in Morgan Hill, echoing comments made by employees of other wireless stores. "Most are surprised to find out that there is a hands-free law taking effect on July 1." It's time to get prepared. California will join nearly a dozen other states in trying to rein in distracted motorists who love to gab while driving.

Comments

[P.J.]

Here's what I see happening when they finally do get around to enforcing it: 1) A special enforcement period (like "Click It or Ticket" for seat belts) may be established, an annual festival where tickets fly everywhere as law enforcement clutters the shoulders for the unwary and uncaring for one week. 2) (More likely) Getting caught talking with the handset will be tacked on to more compelling violations as an enhancement - which will make a nicely trackable budget buster for cities and insurance companies alike.

Real problem? People want to have cars, but they don't want to be bothered with the act of driving. Headsets won't fix this.

[Tim K.]

Also, there won't be really any change the driving behavior even if this were enforced - right now we can tell when someone is driving badly because we see them holding a cellphone with one hand. But once you go hands-free, the distracted angle is still there, they just have two hands.

The problem isn't that people can't hold a cell phone and drive - it's that they can't concentrate on a conversation with someone who can't see their driving circumstances (isn't in the car with them). This is not going to change that basic safety issue.

But I agree with Paul - this likely won't get enforced unless the cop is trying to be a jerk and throw everything at you because you are rude.

[Paul]

Meh. Cops don't have the time for this nonsense. They'll pull people over the first few weeks for show and then forget about it.