I think a bigger issue is the use of email and the internet from smart-phones and blackberries. As an admitted sinner I find this far more distractive than "just" holding the phone while talking - at least you can keep your eyes on the road (while you don't read the daily newspaper...)

I wonder what PalmOne approach to that is...

The problem with this law, and laws like it, is that it completely misses the point. It's not *holding* a cell phone that's the problem, unless you drive a stick shift... it's *being engaged in a conversation* that takes your attention off the road. This can happen whether you're holding the phone next to your ear, or talking on a headset.

If legislators want to *really* make some effective changes, they should ban talking on a cell phone while driving *period*. Otherwise, they are simply bypassing the problem and opening the floodgates for the carriers to mass-market headsets, not making the roads safer.

This hands-free stuff is really just a sop to take our minds off the bigger issue.

The primary problem with talking on the cell phone while driving is that your attention isn't on the road. Your attention is focused on the conversation you are having. You can't have a meaningful conversation without paying attention!

People aren't computers. Computers can task switch in fantastically short periods of time. Nowadays, even true multiprocessing is widely available. However people require something like 3 seconds to switch attention from one context to another.

Numerous studies have shown that hands-free sets only slightly improve safety on the road. If you want to be safe on the road, quit talking while you are driving. Pull over.

I think people just need to stop, slow down and relax. What is so important all the time that three or four things need to be completed at once, at all times of the day. I am a full time mom and a part time high tech professional, I'm pretty busy. Having said that, the only time that life shows up is right now...and there is no reason to do twenty things at once. Relax.

It amazes me the way everybody knows how everybody should do things. It is small minded narrow thinking that makes people lump everyone into a group. There are many things that can distract a driver. Such a a person in the passanger seat who wants to have a stimulating conversation.Daaaa how do we all get so opinionated and self rightious. Note that most all opinions on the subject of driving and talking on the phone are people talking about the other guy!!! Is it possible that they cut in front of you because they are selfish and don't pay attention to anybody on the road. Don't think taking a phone out of our hands is gonna make us better drivers. We we all need is to just be better people. That includes myself. Because I too get into the it is all about me syndrom.

I have been run off the road or nearly hit by 4 people this year alone... they areholding cell phones to thier left ear so they don't turn thier head all the way as to not lose connection with thier ear. I drive one of those SUV crossovers so it's not like I'm hard to see.

Just as dangerous is the person driving 40 on the freeway because they are having a robust converstation and evidently can't pay enough attention to the road.

I ride a motorcycle...no cell phone...no radio. So I see alot.

I agree about banning drivers on cell phones but with handsfree you can't tell if the driver is singing, talking to themsleves, or talking on a phone. Handsfree won't be perfect but hopefully people will turn thier heads more often without the phone to thier ear.

Once again everyone fails to SEE
that it's still all about MONEY.

More money for the STATE.
Cops need money too so don't HATE.
And Cell Phone companies can keep their CONGLOMERATE.

Are there any reports to confirm that more accidents are caused by cell phone usage in comparison to those that are not on cell phones. I have been rear ended in two car accidents in the last 10 years and neither of the drivers were on cell phones. There are several distractions that a driver encounters what about when you have a passenger in the car that you are talking to? What about the mother who has children in the car that are screaming, crying, fighting. What is the violation for men shaving while driving, women applying make up and lets not forget the ones reading a novel! Bottom line we all have to be defensive drivers and watch out for the person who is not paying attention for whatever reason.

This solution could possibly be just a band aid for the true problem of being distracted from operating a vehicle. But by forcing people to use a hands free unit, I believe it is a positive step. I drive a manual transmission car and when I use the headset, I have noticed a huge difference in how I handle the vehicle. I feel more in control, even while on the phone. But I agree, don't answer unless you absolutely need to and even then, do you(I) really need to?

America has unfortunately become immune to the fact that distractions cause accidents. In such a self-seeking, narcissistic society where "only what I am doing right now matters to the whole world" type thinking we should be anything but shocked that this is where society has turned. However, if we illegalize cell phones we must also illegalize bill boards, waving to friends we pass on the road, dogs on the loose, (feel free to fill in the blank). Law books would be (and are becoming) massive due to the legislation of issues that should be discretionary. The problem is each of us tends to think of ourselves more than others. Unfortunately, it will take only one fatal accident to teach the lesson. Also unfortunately you only get one fatal accident if you are the victim. Even then, I'm not so sure the little habit monster won't have had his way already to the place of returning even after such a horrific lesson. There is a principle involved.
On an ending note...the only reason the law has a hands-free provision is because holding a cell phone is the only way a cop can determine that you are on a cell phone call. Otherwise you could be singing or talking to yourself.

The Governator just signed another bill in California called SB33. This new law bans drivers under 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, inculding hands-free devices.

This law goes into effect on July 1st, 2008 the same time as Senate Bill 1613, California's Hands-Free Law.

Agreed that these are just band-aids, but I have a hard time thinking were going to be worse off when these two laws go into effect.