Vehicle Distraction Laws
Most car accidents these days result from careless drivers losing focus on the road in front of them. Simple activities such as conversation with passengers, eating or drinking, reading, grooming, adjusting the radio, or working a navigation system while operating a vehicle can easily distract the driver and possibly cause a fatal crash. However, the most dangerous distraction of all would be the use of cell phones while driving. This is due to the fact that using cell phones require visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, completely taking attention off of the road. The state of California has taken action by banning all forms of handheld devices while operating a vehicle and forbidding drivers under the age of 18 from using hands-free cell phones. The third law enacted bans texting while driving. The use of cell phones while driving is a serious matter in today’s society and reducing this problem will only lead to less lives being lost.
California currently has several laws banning the use of wireless phones. The first law prohibits all motorists from using handheld phones. As of January, 2009, the California Department of Motor Vehicles V C Section 23123.5 states, “a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication, unless the electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice operated and hands-free operate to dictate, send, or listen to a text-based communication and is used in that manner while driving” (238). Those who violate this law will receive a base fine of $76 for the first offense and will then receive fines of $190 for repeated offenses. However, there are exceptions to the general ban. These rules do not apply during times of emergency when the need for a cellular device is absolutely required to contact a law enforcement agency, medical provider,...