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Options comply with new law on using cell phones while driving
Both hands on the wheel
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Courtesy photos The BMW M3, at a base price of $56,500, is among the cars that offer built-in hands-free technology options.
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Courtesy of Garmin The Garmin Nuvi 660
Starting July 1, those holding cell phones to their ears while driving face a base fine of $20 plus any other penalties under California's new law prohibiting anyone from using a handheld cellular phone while driving.
Do it again and the base fine goes up to $50.
There's no grace period. The state, California Highway Patrol and others have been issuing warnings. The time draws near.
But these days, there is more technology than ever to let drivers continue to chat while both hands are on the wheel. They owe their proliferation to ubiquitous Bluetooth technology that lets cell phones wirelessly connect with hands-free systems. We've rounded up a few of them here.
One thing to note: If you're younger than 18, even these devices won't be enough. The state has decided that anyone younger than 18 shouldn't be using a telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic device — even a hands-free device — while driving.
Headsets: Perhaps the simplest solution is to join the ranks of those who constantly have small devices looped over their ears that let them talk at a moment's notice. Here's a top-rated headset.
The Motorola H700 headset won kudos for easily flipping open and shut to turn on and off and for being very good for listening and talking.
Price: $100.
Need another option? Check out http://www.freeheadset.org. This organization makes headsets available at discounted prices, some just for the cost of shipping, to get more headsets into people's hands so that they can keep those hands on the wheel.
Aftermarket installation: These are recommended for installation by approved dealers so that everything gets hooked up right. They and your car's stereo system are basically integrated.
The Parrot CK3200 is highly rated, and includes voice recognition and a large color screen that can show contacts as well as their photos. Reviewers say that the system is easy to use, and that call quality is clear both through the speakers and on the other end from the system's microphone. Music is muted during calls.
Price: $150-$200.
Do-it-yourself: Nobody said you have to rely on installation experts. The motorMouth DIY car kit from Scosche provides a "plug-and-play" option allowing you to plug the Bluetooth receiver into the MP3/AUX input in new vehicles and aftermarket stereos. The device plays phone calls through the car's speakers, muting the music during a call and bringing it back on when the call ends.
Price: $100.
More for more: Why stop at phone calls? These days, you can get a device with GPS to get you where you're going and hands-free phone access so you can call ahead to let someone know that you're coming. More features mean more money, so be ready for the price tag.
The Garmin Nuvi 660 GPS device is portable so you can switch it from car to car. It has integrated Bluetooth, and the phone icon on the main menu lets the user dial out. The voice leading you through the directions to your destination will mute if a call comes in.
Price: $300-$680.
In-car: If you're in the market for a new set of wheels, there's always the option of getting a hands-free system that's already installed by the manufacturer. The BMW M3 Coupe was named a top 5 tech car by CNET, which noted that the built-in Bluetooth cell phone system worked without a hitch.
Base price: $56,500.
Sources: CNET, Consumer Reports, Consumer Electronics Association
Posted by rdo4JC on June 9, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why should there be a grace period? This was passed over a year and a half ago, and anybody who listens or watches any news during that timeframe knows that the law takes effect on July 1. heck, even readers of this newspaper, whether on paper or online, should know about this law and its start date. Caltrans has its electronic signs on freeways stating this as well.
Posted by THX1138 on June 9, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What do ya bet freeheadset.org is supplemented by the mobile phone industry. They don't want to see an interruption in revenues..
I'd bet the CHP will make a bundle $$ on this! Some folks can't live a few minutes without their phone...
Posted by WolfWalker on June 9, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
“I can drive without my cell phone. It’s to bad that some people can’t drive with theirs.”
And that’s the problem. There are some people that think they can, when they can’t. I’m on the road most of the day, and see it a lot. People looking at their phones, while the light turns green and they sit there as people behind them start honking.
I even saw 1 person run a red light. He was sitting in a straight lane waiting for a green light. He was looking at his phone, mean while the left turn only got a green light, one of the cars didn’t move fast enough and someone behind them honked. The guy in the straight lane thought someone was honking at him and went, almost hitting cross traffic turning left in front. I once saw two people in a parking lot backing out of spots, back into each other. They were both on cell phones.
Just today, I saw a lady making a right almost hit some kids in the crosswalk. They had a walk sign.
When the news was talking about this law last year, they hit the streets and ask people what they thought about the new law. 1 guy said, “ it’s stupid. Its just one more distraction in a car” well to him if he reads this, now it’s will be just one less distraction. if the chp make lots of money from this law, good. not one dime will be from me.
everyone out there walking, riding or driving
Pay attention, and be safe on the road, the life you save could be your own, or someone else.
Posted by ebrockway on June 10, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VeritasLuxMea;
Guess we should've opened a Hands-Free Specialty store in January? Be booming today
Posted by nickh0607 on June 11, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Radioshack in the PACIFIC VIEW MALL in Ventura has great deals on bluetooth headset. I got mine and my wifes headset both under $50.00 great deal and excellent customer service!!!!!
Posted by LivinInPoorMansPV on June 11, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dont forget, you can still text while driving. the law only applies to having your phone to your ear.
LMAO!
Posted by ireadthenews on July 1, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't forget there's always Voice Mail on your cell phone. What could be THAT urgent that you must use your phone while driving?
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