Don't Speak and Drive

After yesterday's humorous video about the California cell phone law, it's time to take it seriously. As you know, the new cell phone law in California is in effect from today, July 1. The new law forbids drivers from using their cell phone when driving without a proper hand-free device.

Drivers under the age of 18 are completely prohibited from using a cell phone or any mobile device while driving. If they use a hand-free device, a police officer can fine them only if they are pulled over for another violation. If they use a handheld device, a police officer can pull them over just for this (the same applies for adult drivers).

All I can say is this: finally. When I first came to California, I was amazed from the fact that people drive while holding their cell phones. It's illegal where I live. I've tried it only once, in California, and it's very distracting. Californians may find it annoying, I find it important.

The law allows text-messaging, but it should also prohibit that. Writing a text-message is an extremely distracting activity that shouldn't be allowed during driving. Many accidents happened because of that.

Good luck to you Californians. Just remember that this law is really here to protect you.
Nadav

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