Flap's Blog – FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill into law yesterday.

Let the bill-signing season begin. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed SB 28 by Sen. Joe Simitian to ban text messaging while driving.

The bill starts off with a $20 fine for offenders, with the fine escalating to $50 after the first offense. The law takes effect Jan. 1.

Two years ago, Schwarzenegger signed Simitian legislation to require drivers to use hands-free devices while talking on cell phones.

Flap sees very little effect of the current cell phone law since everyone continues to use their cell phones while driving. The fines are low – $20. Why buy a $60.00 hands free device when the chances the cops will see pull you over are nil?

This is a “feel good” law and won’t eliminate accidents from inattentive driving which is the stated purpose.

Beginning July 1 in California it is illegal to place a cell phone to your ear while driving a car. However, a loophole in the law allows the driver to text message while driving.

But, not for long.

The new law when passed would make texting illegal in January 2009.

How do you spell cock up?

California law changes July 1, 2008 and car cell phone use will be newly regulated. But, prison for illegal use?

The threat of a $20 fine may not sway every California driver from using a hand-held cellphone when a state ban takes effect July 1, but a motorist who ignores the law and causes an accident could face huge civil judgments or even jail if fatalities result.

“If you cause a fatal accident and you are running a stop sign, speeding or crossing a double line, any additional violation would add to the possibility a manslaughter charge could be filed,” said W. Scott Thorpe, chief executive of the California District Attorneys Assn. “It all goes to state of mind and your recklessness.”

This will NOT be an issue for Flap. I find using a cell phone for voice and data to be VERY distracting while driving and no longer use a cell phone at all while a driver.

Life is too important. My cell calls can wait or I will pull over stop and park the car.