Mon 31 Mar 2008
California Hansdsfree July 1st
Posted by CM under Bluetooth Car Kit News, Driving safety
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As July 1st approaches, drivers in
For those drivers under 18, the law will be even more strict, banning completely electronic communication whilst driving, both talking or texting, including hands free talking.
Whilst the option to use a cheaper corded handset is available under the law, a Bluetooth handsfree kit or earpiece, provides flexibility, and usually more features.
Other alternatives, such as a sun visor mounted Bluetooth car kit are a compromise between a fully fitted car kit, and an earpiece solution.
If the law can help to reduce accidents then the change must be a positive one, and as the California Highway Patrol reported that there were 1,232 collisions in 2006 that were attributed to handheld cell phone use, compared with 71 collisions that involved hands-free use, the statistics suggest that this will indeed be a positive change.
As the debate on handsfree mobile phone useage intensifies in America, researchers are increasingly reporting that it is not the holding of the phone that is the problem, but the call itself. But although the message about banning young drivers from making all forms of calls and prohibiting text messaging behind the wheel seems to beeing accepted there is still a groundswell of objection to extending the ban to Adults. Government studies show that 1 in 20 drivers in America are talking whilst driving. <!–more–>
Parrot, already an established manufacture of hands-free Bluetooth car kit`s, have announced a product suitable for motorcycles and scooters.
Chief Supt Kenny Scott, of Strathclyde Police, was stopped a week into the new tougher driving laws came into force, using a hand held mobile phone. He was driving a private car and was off duty, but was stopped by officers of his own force.
The RAC foundation has carrried out undercover research into ways that mobile phone retailers will try and sell phones and accessories.