Have you heard? California has a New Year’s resolution: “Stop talking and start driving,” said Senator Joe Simitian as California prepares to welcome the New Year.

According to the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, as of May 2007, 236 million people in the United States have subscribed to some form of wireless communication, compared to the approximated 4.3 million in 1990. As society increases its reliance on cellular devices, the number of people who use the devices while driving will also increase.

Senate Bill 1613, also known as the California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act of 2006 was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger September 2006. The new law mandates hands-free cell phone use for drivers beginning July 1, 2008. Introduced by Senator Joe Simitian (Division-Palo Alto), SB 1613 was proposed in efforts to promote Public Safety.

The Bill imposes a fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. However, the offense would not result in adding any points to motorists driving records. Senate Bill 1613 exempts operators of farming vehicles and commercial truck drivers from the new law requirements until 2011. “The Bill would require the Department of California Highway Patrol to collect and study data relevant to accidents and traffic violations associated with the use of 2-way radio services? and to report the findings of that study to the Legislature?” (Senate Bill 1613, Section 1)

According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association all drivers must use a hands-free device when using a cell phone while driving, except in emergencies.

“Being hands-free means you are talking on your cell phone while driving, yet both of your hand’s are still on the steering wheel.” (United States Hands Free Laws). Hands-free cellular technology includes, but is not limited to: Speaker phones, earpieces, wired headsets and Blue Tooth.

Because SB 1613 was imposed to promote public safety – on streets and highways, I can see how many would agree to pass the Bill; however, we’re singling out only one particular cause of inattentive driving. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve almost had an accident trying to reach the CD case from under my seat or my backpack from the back seat.

In an urge for Governor Schwarzengger to veto the Bill, Sprint Nextel wrote in a letter, “SB 1613 fails to address the real public issue of inattentive driving and singles out just one potential distraction, the handheld wireless phone. It ignores many other more significant causes of inattentive driving, including drowsiness, smoking, and adjusting the radio/CD player. And it fails to distinguish between inexperienced teen drivers, who may be easily distracted, and experienced adult drivers whose experience and maturity make them completely capable of operating an automobile safely while speaking on a wireless phone.”

There’s a number of different circumstances such as eating, changing the radio, reckless driving and grooming oneself that cause drivers to become distracted. It is because hand-held cell phones are one of the most popular wide spread technological devices that they’re being targeted.

Lastly, I agree with making the roads and highways safer, but what I don’t quite agree with is the restrictions and consequences Senate Bill 1613 imposes on drivers who do not abuse there talk time while driving.

Talecia Bell can be reached at [email protected]