California Countdown and Related Studies

So the countdown begins here in California (just 3 days remain) as mobile phone users will be forced to utilize hands-free devices while operating a motor vehicle. Do you think if the censors allowed this advertisement that many folks would have voluntarily bought headsets or turned off the mobile phone while driving?


Studies have been conducted at all levels from state and federal government agencies to universities and independent consultants and all have their own data, but nothing conclusive. In fact
this study concludes that a ban on cell phone use while driving will yield no significant reduction in the amount of accidents. I am on the fence on this one as surely road rage and near-miss incidents will be decreased, I have personally been nearly side-swiped by two drivers blabbing on their mobile phones and that was this past week alone! AAA conducted their own study and concluded: "All forms of cellular phone usage lead to significant increases in the establishment of non-response to highway-traffic situations and increase in time to respond." It'll be interesting to see the impact of the mobile phone usage ban here in California, I am betting that there will no almost no reduction in accident rates (more drivers and novice motorcyclists on the road equals more chances for mishaps), but will certainly increase the revenues of state and local agencies as the first fine for getting caught without a hands-free device is $20 and $50/infraction thereafter. The other revenue-maker is for stores selling hands-free devices. As for law enforcement, it's an easy catch, just look at the vehicle in front with the driver's head slightly cocked to the left or right and who's driving 5-10 miles per hour below the speed limit.

If we really want to make an impact: turn off the mobile phone, all passenger seats should disappear, remove the radio, eliminate the navigation system, get rid of cup holders (eating/drinking while driving is a big distraction), take away the armrests (your hands should be at 10 and 2 anyways), and finally, remove vanity mirrors (we don't need people shaving and applying make-up while driving). Wake up earlier for crying out loud!!

DWD: 9, Miles: 607
Parked in busy, mall parking lot briefly so wife could pick up some items from one of those markets that sell goods from around the world.