For those drivers who apparently STILL do not understand the hands free cell phone law after ten months,
HANDS FREE means you have nothing in your hands.
Putting your phone on speaker and holding it two inches from your mouth is NOT HANDS FREE.
So when I stop you for doing that, do not tell me "But I had it on speaker."
Just because you aren't holding the phone up to your ear, does not mean it is hands free. Hands free would be something akin to putting the phone on speaker and sticking it up on the visor or down on the console. Maybe even using one of those little $15 earpiece thingies they sell EVERYWHERE.
I have to explain this to at least one driver a shift.
Usually more than one...
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12 comments:
What about a rubber band type contraption that holds the phone to your head for you? That would be hilarious to see.
I've seen people with phones tucked under one of those sweatbands like guys used to wear around their heads back in the 80's. I've seen people with phones RUBBER BANDED to the side of their heads.
We really don't have to make this stuff up.
Stapled to their heads? Seen that yet:)?
Now THAT, I cannot claim to have seen...
I agree, people shouldn't be talking on the phone while driving. Toooo many accidents. The problem I have with this is I see just as many in law enforcement driving around with phones held up to their ears. So, shouldn't they be setting an example for all citizens? Or is it the old...do as I say, not as I do?
Well, consider the majority of the population...had one call tonight that said, "there's a no fishing sign here. Can I fish?"
You're right, you can't make this stuff up.
The town I reside in, the officers are not allowed to be on cell phones while on duty. And they get time off unpaid if they are caught doing so.
The state I reside in, however, has no law against cell phone usage in a vehicle. But I am sure we will one day. If we just passed a gay marriage/rights law, I am sure we will pass a cell phone law.
Well, Ms Psycho,
In California, emergency services people (that would be police, fire and ambulance) are exempt when they are operating an authorized emergency vehicle.
One might consider that we would have some reason for being on the phone while we are driving.
My department policy, however, prohibits talking on the phone while driving.
It's all similar to the seatbelt law that exempts police and fire, but our department policy requires us to wear them.
My agency has policy that we wear seatbelts, and has policy in regard to the cell phone use. No personal calls while driving. We are allowed to contact reporting parties and get additional information, especially when responding to hot calls if we think it would be important and cut 2 people out of the relay, a call taker and a dispatcher. You just have to remember to let your partners know the information you obtain. I too remind many drivers of this new law. - Officer
Quote: 'One might consider that we would have some reason for being on the phone while we are driving.'
Maybe I do too...maybe I just got a call from my sick dieing mother, or my son's school calls to let me know that he was injured in football pratice...etc. There are a thousand reasons anyone can be using the phone. Still not safe for anyone to be distracted for very long.
I try to pull over when I can. I mostly have a problem with the people that you see on the phone non-stop and are not paying attention to their driving.
I just think everyone should have to follow the same rules no matter who you are, and no matter what you are using the phone for.
Ms. Psycho,
What you just said about your son being injured in football practice, if it sounds believable, would likely not earn you a ticket.
There are exemptions for emergencies.
An emergency, however, is not that you are late to a meeting, calling to order a pizza for pickup, or talking to a client about your appointment later today. These are all excuses I have heard, and all got tickets.
If you have a true emergency, you won't get a ticket from me. I am a reasonable person.
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