California’s Cell Phone Law Turns Two-Years Old

The California Highway Patrol says drivers are still holding on to their phones. It’s no surprise to Rosie Bricker. She sees it happening all the time.

“Sometimes I want to say ‘HANG UP’ but sometimes they get upset or you don’t know what to expect.”

And, Rosie isn’t alone.

“I saw somebody the other day, a woman, and she was eating a yogurt and talking on the cell phone at the same time. And I though, ‘This isn’t good,'” said Mike Kinney, who doesn’t use a cell phone.

“A lot of times they’re the ones swerving around, not going when the light is green, stuff like that,” said Ian Lasley, who drives a lot through the Coachella Valley.

Most of the people we talked with say they follow the law. But, CHP said it sees too many people breaking it. Troopers wrote more than 240,000 tickets since the new law went into effect on July 1st 2008. People on cell phones caused as many as 1,200 crashes. 16 people died and more than 800 got hurt.

Just six months after the hands free law went into effect, lawmakers also banned the use of text messenging while you drive which they say is just as dangerous.

Seven other states have laws similar to California’s, and drivers going from the state have to be aware. Nancy Stephens said she uses her bluetooth when she drives through from Arizona.

“They might not know. I didn’t really know. A friend of mine did tell me a couple of weeks ago,” said Stephens.

National attention on shows like Oprah brought to the issue of distracted driving to light. Still the CHP says drivers need to do more because when it comes down to it, you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to safety.