The debate over hand-held versus hands-free has been going on for some time now, and although many people have formulated their own opinions on this touchy subject, a California researcher is out to support the upcoming cell phone ban. 

A study released Monday by Jed Kolko, fellow at the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), estimated that 300 fewer people would die each year in traffic accidents in California due to the upcoming hand-held cell phone ban for California drivers.  More than 4,000 people die in traffic accidents every year in the state.

California Cell Phone Ban Effective July 1

Once July 1 rolls around for the state of California, you will be seeing a lot more hands-free devices and Bluetooth products stuck in people’s ears.  California drivers over the age of 18 must use a hands-free device in order to be following the law, while drivers under the age of 18 may not use hand-held OR hands-free devices.

According to the study by the PPIC, the study finds that California’s new hands-free law should save several hundred lives a year, based on statistics and experience from other states who have already enacted the ban.  The results of these laws show that mobile phone ownership is associated with higher traffic fatalities in bad weather and on wet roads.  With the hands-free law in effect, the fatality rates during bad weather, wet roads, and in rush-hour traffic have been reduced.

MSNBC Article

MSNBC posted this study and discussed the findings with Kolko.  Kolko tries to explain the reduction of fatalities in states with hands-free laws.

“It may be that drivers in states with hands-free laws are shifting their talking minutes to when they are not driving,” Kolko wrote in his study. “It could be that drivers find hands-free technology more cumbersome … (or that) the law in itself serves as an educational warning about the danger of talking on the phone while driving … (or) that hands-free technologies do reduce the physical distraction of using a phone, and earlier studies failed to detect this effect.” (MSNBC)

What Does This Study Mean for Me?

Well if you don’t live in California, you are in the clear, right?  Wrong.  This study supports hands-free driving laws across the country and believes that it can save lives.  Think about it realistically for a minute.  Would you rather drive with one hand on the wheel and one hand on the cell phone OR drive with both hands on the wheel and still be able to use your mobile device?  To me, it seems pretty clear.  Having two hands on the wheel is obviously the safest way to drive, and hands-free laws aim to show how much more safe this type of driving really is.

Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth is the answer for hands-free laws.  From Bluetooth headsets to Bluetooth speakers, you can be “hands-free” and still have two hands on the wheel by using Bluetooth technology.  It is instant, safe and easy-to-use. 

As hands-free laws get passed throughout the country, we are going to see the transition of hype over cell phones to hype over Bluetooth devices.  But hey, the world is going blue and we are just jumping in …

Dear West Coasters,

The cell phone ban is coming … and it is approaching quick!  Starting July 1, 2008, if you are living in the State of California, you will have a new law to follow:  NO DRIVING WHILE USING A HANDHELD CELL PHONE!  Believe it or not, this law is coming and all of California will be affected.

Here are the details of this Hands-free legislation:

18 and older:  If you must talk on a cell phone while driving, you absolutely have to use a hands-free device beginning July 1, 2008.  If you break the law, your first offense will cost you $20 and it will be $50 for each subsequent conviction.  Additional fees may also be applied.

Younger than 18:  It is pretty simple for you … cell phones are completely banned.  You may not use a cell phone while driving and you may not text or use laptops.  This is a strict law and if you are under 18 and using a cell phone while driving, you will be fined.

Other Notes Regarding Hands-Free Cell Phone Law

Emergencies:  If you are in an emergency, it is ok to make emergency calls to police, healthcare providers, fire departments or other emergency agencies.  By all means, do this!

Points:  No points against driver’s licenses will be assessed.

Passengers:  Are allowed to use any type of cell phone while in the car.

PUSH-TO-TALK Device:  These devices are ok for those people who are licensed to operate a truck tractor or motor truck.

It is important to know that this law has been passed and will be effective July 1, 2008 in California.  In order to follow the law, drivers will have to use hands-free devices.  Getting your device before the law comes into effect will allow you to adjust to using a hands-free device and increase your comfort level with the device.  It will also increase your safety as a driver because you will be able to drive with two hands on the wheel.

Look at Hands-free Cell Phone Laws Across the Country

Hands-Free Options

There are many options for using a hands-free device.  You can use a Bluetooth headset, Bluetooth Speaker, or even a Bluetooth Car Kit.  Whatever device you feel most comfortable with is your best option.   The good thing that comes with all of them is that they allow you to keep two hands on the wheel and keep you as a law-abiding citizen.  Check out these options:

Motorola MotoPURE H12 Bluetooth Headset  

The Motorola MotoPURE H12 puts the noise on hold so your voice will be heard. The first headset to feature CrystalTalk, the new Motorola MOTOPURE H12 is the future of audio technology, delivering maximum audio performance in even the noisiest environments. The MotoPURE H12 CrystalTalk with dual microphones is designed to cancel background and wind noise, enhance your voice and channel pure, clear audio directly into your ear and experience the difference. The Motorola MOTOPURE H12 is an auricular masterpiece designed to look as it feels. Minimalist design diamond-cut alloys integrate perfectly with TrueComfort engineering. Three min cushion, molded ear-bud and secure ear hook combine to create a unique personal fit. A full set of carrying and charging accessories make the Motorola MOTOPURE H12 ideal for everyday users.

BlueAnt Supertooth Light  

The BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth speaker is a convenient hands-free solution for your car, office or home. Thanks to full duplex speakers and noise/echo cancellation technologies, the BlueAnt Supertooth offers incredibly high quality audio and much higher volume than is available on most other speakerphones. A simple interface with adjustable volume, large Accept and End/Reject call buttons, and a charge indicator light make the BlueAnt Supertooth exceptionally easy to use, especially when you’re focused on other tasks, such as driving.

Other key features include:
· Support for voice-dial enabled devices
· Last number redial
· Ability to pair with up to 5 different devices
· Magnetic clip to car visor
· Wall charger and car charger included with device

Parrott Bluetooth Car Kit 3400 LS-GPS   

Bluetooth Car kits from Parrott allow you to experience hands-free conversation safely and wire-free. Turn on your car engine and your phone connects wirelessly to the car kit. The LCD display allows you to view your phonebook and identifies incoming calls. The Parrott Bluetooth Car Kit 3400 LS-GPS must be hardwired into vehicle audio system. Professional installation with vehicle electrical and audio wiring schematics is required. Harnesses not provided. Includes color LCD display, GPS capability and Parrott universal radio mute unit. The Parrott Bluetooth Car Kit 3400 LS-GPS is compatible with all Bluetooth capable phones. It does not include an antenna connection.

Features:
· LCD Screen/keypad: 64 x 58 x 20 mm (without antenna) – Weight: 60g
· Bluetooth hands-free kit with color screen and active GPS Antenna for 12 channels
· LCD Color screen
· 160 x 128 pixels, 262144 colors
· Adjustable brightness and contrast
· Customized color interface with wallpapers
· Caller photo display
· Display of the last numbers dialed, missed calls and calls received
· Echo cancellation
· Voice recognition up to 150 names
· Hi-fi polyphonic ringtones

***UPDATE 4-9-2008***  crave.cnet.com recently wrote the article “Survey finds CA drivers spotty on cell phone driving ban.”  It claimed that nearly half of all California drivers are unaware when the ban kicks in and what it all entails.  Please be informed consumers and know that the cell phone ban is coming no matter what … now you just need to go hands-free.  If you would like to see the rest of this article, please click here.