WASHINGTON—California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today plans to sign into law legislation banning motorists from operating cell phones. The legislation does allow drivers to use hands-free devices to conduct conversations while behind the wheel.
California joins New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, the District of Columbia and various cities in prohibiting drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones.
California State Sen. Joe Simitian (D) has been pushing the legislation for years; however, the effectiveness of such laws remains unclear in light of studies showing hands-free gadgets do not fix the cell phone driver-distraction problem. Moreover, compliance with and enforcement of driver hand-held bans have proved challenging in states with such laws on the books.
“While this law may make Californians feel safer, there is no evidence that such laws already in place elsewhere are an effective way to make the roads safer,” said Sprint Nextel Corp. in a statement. “
The No. 3 mobile-phone carrier added: “To see real changes in driver behavior, Sprint Nextel believes that stronger driver education programs which emphasize the importance of attentive driving are the appropriate change that needs to be made in public policy. That’s why we offer free of charge our own drivers education program to all high schools in California.”
While Sprint Nextel opposed the legislation, at least one handset maker voiced its approval.
“With the technology available today, there is no reason for a driver to be holding a cell phone while behind the wheel,” said Mary Doyle, senior vice president and general counsel at Palm Inc., which makes the Treo smart phone. “Headset technology, both wired and wireless, is readily available, and call quality using a hands-free headset is generally excellent.”
