On July 1, 2008, two laws dealing with wireless phones went into effect.
The first law (VC §23123) prohibited all drivers from using handheld
wireless telephones while operating a vehicle. Motorist 18 years of age
or older were able to use a "hands-free" device. The Second
law (VC §23124) prohibited drivers under the age of 18 from using
a wireless telephone or "hands-free" device while operating
a vehicle. However, as of January 1, 2009, a new Wireless Communications
Device Law went into effect that made it a violation to write, send, or
read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications
device, such as a cellphone, when operating a motor vehicle.
It's been over two years since the new wireless law went into effect
and nearly 475,000 tickets (by CHP alone) later; talking on the cellphone
has become the number one concern for drivers in the State of California.
The California Office of Traffic Safety conducted a survey that included
1,801 drivers (ages 18 and over) at different gas stations throughout
Central, Northern and Southern California. Several questions were asked
in regards to impaired driving, seat belts, distracted drivers, and traffic
safety laws and campaign. The purpose of this survey is to help fine-tune
their traffic safety programs, enforcement efforts and public education
campaigns in order to insure that they are effective and on target with
individual populations, and they found some alarming information. The
biggest safety problem on California roadways were no longer speeding
and/or aggressive drivers has been replaced by talking on a cell phone
followed closely texting.
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In your opinion, what are the biggest safety problems on California roadways?
Reply 2010 2011
Speeding/Aggressive Driving 21.5% 17.6%
Talking on cell phone 15.9%
20.3%
Bad Road Surfaces 11.4% 11.6%
Drunk Driving 10.1% 12.6%
Texting on cell phone 2.4%
18.5%
Internal Car Distractions 1.2% 3.8%
Other/Don't Know 37.5% 15.6%
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In your opinion, what is the most serious distraction for drivers?
Reply 2010 2011
Cell Phone talking 61.9% 56.0%
Texting While Driving 12.7% 27.6%
Passengers in Car 3.3% 1.8%
Roadside Billboards 2.1% 1.3%
Eating While Driving 1.9% 1.2%
Adjusting Radio/Stereos 1.2% 0.7%
Personal Grooming 0.6% 0.9%
GPS/Navigation Systems 0.2% 0.5%
Other 19.2% 10.0
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Although, the usage of cellphones has grown immensely over the past two
years; it is unclear as to how many motor vehicle accidents it has caused.
What is clear is that talking or texting behind the wheel can lead a person
to cause a motor vehicle accident. CHP stated that they agreed that the
No. 1 distraction was the use of cellphones. They have spotted and investigated
drivers on the suspicion possible DUI; only to find out that the reason
behind their reckless driving was a cellphone.
So before you decided to reach in to your pocket or purse to answer a call
while you're behind the wheel of a motor vehicle just remember that
it only takes a few seconds to change your life or the life of another.
You may not gain a point on your driving record, have your insurance increase
or total your vehicle. But you may actually lose your freedom and/or your
life if not the life of another.
Source: http://www.ots.ca.gov/Media_and_Research/Press_Room/2011/default.asp#Survey