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So there's a new law that went into effect today in California. If you are caught on your cell phone while driving without using a hands free device you will be fined. I'm guessing the motivation behind this is that drivers are distracted by holding a cell phone to their ear. If this is true, why just ban cell phone use? Why not create a law saying both hands must be on the wheel at all times? If it's talking on the phone that is distracting, then why not ban cell phone use completely? Aren't people still going to be distracted whether they have the phone to the ear or not? I have no doubts that phone usage causes people to drive like morons but I don't think this law is the solution. People are still going to drive like idiots. I guess we'll wait and see.
Personally, I think it's a good thing, and is related more to the one-handed driving thing rather than the conversation. We can drive and talk to passengers in our cars, but it's the one-handed thing that seems to be causing a lot of crazy driving.
Yeah, but what I'm trying to say is if it's the one handed driving that is the problem, banning cell phone use isn't going to solve it. People still drive one handed all the time even if they aren't on the phone. They hold drinks, eat, put on makeup, change cds, or (like me) just hold one hand on the wheel. 
I believe research has shown that merely talking on a phone impairs your driving, even if you use a hands-free device. When people divide their attention between driving and carrying on a conversation it decreases their awareness of what is happening around them. 
Hah! Did you get busted, you criminal?
Hang up and drive! But really I agree with Brendo... they should also cite those doing other distracting things. My bus driver was shaving one time, while we were on the bus! 
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