or an electronic wireless communications device , even if equipped with a hands-free device .
California ’ s handheld cell phone and texting laws are considered “ primary ” laws . A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation . The ban on hands-free devices for drivers under 18 is a secondary violation . This means that an officer cannot pull you over just for this infraction , but an officer can cite you for a violation if he or she pulls you over for another reason . However , the prohibition on using a handheld cell phone while driving is still a primary violation . Officers can pull over drivers under age 18 just for this infraction .
Get the Facts on Distracted Driving
Here are some facts and figures about distracted driving from the California Office of Traffic Safety . Share them with all the drivers in your household . Have teen drivers ? Make sure to sit down with them and go over these facts .
• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver distraction .
• Talking on the cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distraction .
• Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds , far enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph . Most crashes happen with less than 2 seconds of reaction time .
• The act of talking on a cell phone , even hands free , can give you “ inattention blindness ,” where your brain isn ’ t seeing what ’ s right in front of you . You aren ’ t even aware that you are driving impaired . If you think you can handle both driving and talking on a cell phone or texting , you are kidding yourself and putting us all at risk .
Distracted driving endangers life and property . Keep your family safe by following the law by not texting and driving . If you have a teen driver make sure to take the time to sit down with them and go over some ground rules . Here are suggestions from the Federal Communications Commission :
• Give clear instructions – Give teen drivers simple , clear instructions not to use their wireless devices while driving . According to Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association , the easiest way to say it is : “ On the road , off the phone .” Before new drivers get their licenses , discuss the fact that taking their eyes off the road – even for a few seconds – could cost someone injury or even death .
• Lead by example – Children learn from their parent ’ s behavior . No one should text and drive . Be an example for your children and if you need to text or talk on the phone , pull over to a safe place .
• Use authorized mobile applications ( apps ) - download apps from an app store , rather than a website , and access your personal or banking information only from your bank ’ s official app or website .
• Be familiar with your phone ’ s security settings – knowing what your phone is capable of doing , and what security capabilities your phone already has in place can help secure your data and mobile device from intrusion .
Technology has made life more convenient in many ways but also requires diligence in protecting our personal information . Take some proactive steps today to protect your personal information and mobile device ( s ).
3