Hands-free Driving Laws: Use a Hands-free Device or Pay the Price

Posted on Apr 25th 2011

Police around the country have a warning for motorists talking on handheld cell phones or text messaging while driving: Use a hands-free device or pay the price. Last month California Highway Patrol personnel increased patrols targeting and ticketing all drivers caught using their cell phones without hands-free device while driving.  April’s month-long campaign was part of California’s first ever Distracted Driving Awareness Month that aimed to reduce the number of vehicle deaths and injuries across the nation caused by distracted driving.

Although the campaign was launched for the month of April, it is important to continue to keep the importance of attentive driving fresh in our minds. Drivers who use hand-held devices on the road are four times more likely to become involved in a serious injury accident than those who abstain from distractions behind the wheel according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Researchers have also found that delayed reaction time caused by texting is equivalent to that caused by illegal blood alcohol levels.

The law currently in effect prohibits the use of hand held cell phones to talk and to text by all drivers. It also prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone while driving. A ticket for violating either the talking or texting law in California is $159, while subsequent violations cost $279.

For information about the hands-free laws in your state, check out the Governor’s Highway Safety Association.

So how do drivers stay connected? Fortunately, there are ways to avoid unwanted tickets while staying safe on the road. 

You can keep both of your hands on the wheel with a Bluetooth wireless headset, a visor speakerphone or a wired headset for your phone. Cellular Accessories for Less offers affordable and stylish options designed to help you make life a little less hectic. For affordability, the new Jabra BT2080 Bluetooth Wireless Headset features a lightweight design and unmatched comfort at a low price.

If you are in the market for a high-end device, the new Motorola HX520 Oasis Bluetooth Wireless Headset features dual microphones, an extended boom mic for superior noise cancellation and a sleek, innovative design. Audible voice prompts tell you when you are connected, when the phone is ringing, and the battery level of the device to set this headset apart from the competition.

Enjoy hands-free convenience, driver safety and legal compliancy with one of our many Bluetooth devices and be part of a wireless freedom revolution!