Hollister - California motorists will have to begin weaning themselves from their hand-held cell phones when behind the wheel of a car.
A ban on cell phone use by drivers is among 145 changes to the California Vehicle Code state lawmakers made during 2006.
Many of the changes, such as increased penalties for speed contests and driving under the influence convictions, will take effect Jan. 1, 2007. But the California Wireless Telephone Act, which bans the use of hand-held cell phones by motor vehicle drivers, will go into effect July 1, 2008.
The delay should give drivers ample time to adjust. But some consumers have already begun preparing for the change with the purchase of hands-free headsets.
Hollister resident Russ Anders, who was having a cell phone serviced Wednesday at Communications Unlimited on San Benito Street, said he bought a Bluetooth headset in preparation for the law. Anders said everyone is guilty of using their cell phone while driving.
But Anders said the adjustment to his new Bluetooth headset has been slow.
He said he sometimes forgets to put the headset on before beginning to drive his car. Then when he gets a call, Anders said, he ends up picking up the phone with his hand anyway.
"Sometimes you get in and just forget," he said.
Martin Leon, owner of Communications Unlimited, estimated 99 percent of new phones have Bluetooth capabilities. He said driving with a headset could still be distracting, but would be better.
"It is going to make things safer," Leon said. "But it all depends on the individual and how he uses it."
Leon said old cell phone habits, such as note taking and dialing with hands, may not make cell phone use while driving any safer.
Law enforcement officials say the law could make roads safer.
Hollister Police Capt. Richard Vasquez said hand-held cell phone use by drivers increases accidents.
"I think that the (use of headsets) will help in the fact that it frees up the hands," Vasquez said.
Once the California Wireless Telephone Act takes effect, first time offenders will face a $20 fine and $50 for each subsequent offense, according to SB 1613.
Hand-held cell phone use is not the only dangerous driving habit law makers hope to curtail with 2006 legislation.
Drivers will face increased penalties for street racing and driving under the influence.
First time offenders participating in street racing that causes injuries would face hefty fines and jail time ranging from 30 days to six months, according to AB 2190.
First time driving under the influence offenders whose blood alcohol content exceeds 0.20 would see increased driver license suspensions from six months to 10 months, according to SB 1756.
Vasquez said the passages of the bills are an attempt to make California roads safer.
"I think the increasing of the penalties is a way of sending a message," he said.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or mvancassell@freelancenews.com.
Michael Van Cassell Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335.
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