Question of the Day: Do Handsfree Laws Do Anything?
Today, as you know, is July 1st. To celebrate, California and Washington State have passed laws mandating handsfree devices; stick a phone to your ear and get a fine. Not just a fine of course. You have to (at least in CA) pay a gas surcharge fee, as well. These laws won’t do a damn thing to increase safety; the supposed reason why they were passed. Here’s my thinking… When you want to call someone, you still have to dial. Sure, lots of phones have voice recognition. With my supposed “smart phone” I say, “Call mom mobile” and get back, “Calling Tom Vogel.” But here’s the real cincher. This morning, for the first time, I used a handsfree device. I loved it. Normally when I’m driving I try to get off the phone as quickly as possible. I need a hand to shift gears and my arm gets tired. But with the ear dongle, I talked for half an hour– way longer than I normally would if I were holding a phone to my ear. So, does my State feel that the physical act of holding my hand to my ear is the danger? Because methinks these new laws will have more people driving and talking longer. Your thoughts?