Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 9/9/08 Section: Opinion

Human beings have developed into strange creatures, capable of doing many things at one time, multitasking as it has come to be known. Some people are good at this, finishing multiple tasks at the same time, and some people struggle to manage a single task.

I find myself capable of doing a maximum of two things at once, no more. Any more than that and I struggle to do either thing properly. So when I am driving my car, a manual that requires shifting, talking on the phone is not one of the things I choose to do.

I have a Bluetooth headset and use it when I drive, but prefer not to talk at all, a helpful excuse when it comes to ignoring particular people.

"I am sorry; I was driving and am against using my phone while I drive," I said.

That goes over well with my family members. The truth is that the hands-free law is in effect and has been in California since July 1. The sad part about that fact is no one seems to care.

When I take my bi-monthly, 45-minute trip to my parents' house, I have begun to count the number of phone-holding offenders. Since the law has been in effect, I have actually seen an increase in the number of people using their phones while they are driving.

In case you are not aware of the two new laws, vehicle codes 23123 and 23124, here is the Department of Motor Vehicles' description in its frequently asked questions: "(23123) prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. The second law (23124) prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle."

Now that you are clear on the rules, put down your cell phone and drive.

The hands-free device is not hard to set up and use. If you are having trouble, go to your cell phone provider and ask for help, or flag down a 13-year-old on a Razor scooter and ask her. It is not too difficult once you set it up, and it should work when you turn on both devices.

Plenty of Californians have had trouble putting down their phones since the law came into effect.

According to an e-mail from Jamie Coffee, an information officer in the media relations department for the California Highway Patrol, as of Sept. 5, the CHP has issued 14,308 citations for primary violations under vehicle code 23123.

I am not sure what it is about the law that has people still putting phones up to their ears. Could it be a technology-age gap? Maybe an issue with how much the headsets cost? My best guess is because people don't care if they get caught or not.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools