Motorists in California and Washington must heed a new driving law — one that’s expected to save hundreds of lives.

As of July 1, the youngest teen drivers in California may not use their cell phones at all while driving, and other motorists (18 and older) must switch to a headset or hands-free device if they wish to talk and drive.

In Washington, drivers on cell phones must first break another law before officers can cite them for also talking on their cell phones while committing those infractions.

Cell phones are an undisputed distraction while driving. A study published in Experimental Psychology examines just how actions like talking and listening on a phone can actually interfere with visual tasks like driving. And a recent report from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says that 25% of all accidents are caused by distractions including talking on cell phones.

These western states are not the first to mandate new standards. New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Utah have already jumped on the “banned” wagon. The new laws are a measure to help cut down on avoidable accident-related injuries and deaths by keeping drivers’ hands on the wheel, and eyes on the road. Other states are likely to follow suit with their own versions of these laws.

California has been preparing drivers for this switch for more than a year — through road-side messaging and media. But what’s curious about this law they want people to take seriously, is the almost laughable fines.

While Washington offenders will have to cough up $124 for a ticket, drivers busted for blabbing with their phones to their ears in California will be fined $20 — less than a parking ticket, a non-moving violation with little risk of injuring other drivers. A second offense moves up to $50, and subsequent fines can go higher than that.

But drivers on the whole are a betting lot. They’re betting the odds that they won’t get caught running that red light, rolling through that stop sign, speeding, and now, using their cell phones inappropriately while driving.

So if the states mean business, they should drive home this point with more stringent punishment that doesn’t tempt drivers to risk it, but teaches them how to do it legally, and safely, in the first place.

Technorati Tags: hands-free cell device, ban on cell phones, new driving law California, car accidents, California driving law, Washington driving law, GlamFit

Photo Credits: iStockPhoto

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