iPhones and driving: Caution in order

The iPhone 3G does a lot of amazing things, but voice dialing isn’t one of them. This means that drivers have to somehow use the virtual keyboard to dial out, a dubious proposition safety-wise.

What makes dialing extra tricky is the iPhone’s lack of raised buttons, which help the tactile figure out where the number keys are located. This hitch gives both iPhones safety issues beyond the usual driving-while-talking problems.

Most decent cell phones have voice dialing. The iPhone, curiously, does not. Ooops. And these guys live in California!

“(Lack of) voice dialing is a serious oversight,” a veteran iPhone owner said in a post on the Apple site. “And dangerous in the car.”

The long-awaited iPhone App Store comes to the rescue, sort of, with the SpeechCloud Voice Dialer, free speech-recognition software. The hitch is, the phone owner has to have prerecorded the contact’s name, as in “Abbot and Costello Inc.” And, the app is really a contact finder that doesn’t actually dial the number, which the driver has to do by tapping the name.

Reviews from users are mixed, most citing problems with accuracy (try talking fast). One reviewer groused about having to look at the iPhone three times: to find and launch the app, to confirm the contact is correct, and the screen-tap for dialing.

“Too bad we have to go through all this to get voice dialing on the most advanced smart phone in the world,” the reviewer said.

You have to pay, but a better solution is on the way: Makayama apparently is waiting for Apple’s technical approval to bring its “Voice Dial for iPhone” into the 3G era. (Watch the iPhone voice-dialer demo.)

One iPhone app using speech recognition on the horizon is the Say Where location finder from an outfit called Dial Directions. Speak an address, intersection or major location and the app gets the information from the usual suspects in directions: MapQuest, Google Maps, etc.

As for hands-free devices, Apple packs a basic wired headset with the iPhone.

It also sells the Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset at a hefty $129. (The Apple site currently is sold out, but Amazon and many Apple retail stores have it.)

The good things about the pricey headset are a dual-charger for both the iPhone and the headset, with the smart phone monitoring battery status for both devices. The dock synchronizes the iPhone and bluetooth headset without any consumer bother. Just plug them into the dual-dock and watch the Apple magic perform the set-up. There’s also a travel dock.

This being Apple, the headset beats those “Star Trek: Voyager” Bluetooth headsets with a sweet build of black anodized aluminum. There is no ear hook, the skinny stick-like headset hangs on via the tiny speaker nestled in your ear. (A couple of foam covers come with the iPhone — they’re of dubious value.)

This also being Apple, there’s no provision for using a wall socket — the docks come only with a USB port. You can buy a converter for about $30.

Apple promises 5 1/2 hours of talk time and three days of standby on a single full charge. Meaning iPhone and headset will need charging about the same time. The bluetooth headset can be used on other phones, but with the usual minor set-up hassles.

Users’ primary complaints seem to be the price, the lack of noise-cancellation and the lack of a volume control. On the plus side, well it’s Apple cool and connected.

The knowledgeable iStore guy I spoke with in L.A. also recommended two other bluetooth headsets, both conveniently for sale in the shop. Users praise both for their audio quality, boosted by noise-cancellation circuitry.

• The Plantronics Voyager 520, at about half the price of the iPhone Bluetooth, has that goofy look but gets good marks from users and CNET. The device allows for volume control, redial, mute, all functions missing from the Apple headset. The Plantronics AudioIQ technology holds down the wind/background noise. Battery life is put at 8 hours for chatting and about a week for standby.



• The Plantronics Discovery 925 has a cool but odd look, kind of like a tie clip; a fit that users seem to like; and a faux leather carrying case that holds an extra battery.

  It too comes with that good noise-canceling encoding, a volume control and an answer/end button.

New Mexico: Cell phone laws, legislation

Current prohibitions:
No statewide limits on cell phones except for their use by driving students and drivers of state vehicles.

Local ordinances restrict driving while cell phoning in Albuquerque, Taos, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Mexico City and Poland.

Pending legislation:
None.

Legislation notes:
The Legislature considered a ban on cell phone use without a hands-free device in 2006, but the legislation failed to clear committee.

Santa Fe’s local ban on use of hand-held cell phones while driving survived an attempted repeal on June 9, 2008. Councilors voted 6-2 to keep the ordinance, first enacted in 2001. The city is averaging 124 tickets a month, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.

Councilor Rebecca Wurzburger wants to hike the fine from $100 to $500: “We should experiment with expanding this law, not retracting it,” she said. Other councilors said they would support extending the ban to all use of cell phones while driving, including those with hands-free devices.

North Carolina: Cell phone laws, legislation

Current prohibitions:
Drivers under the age of 18 with provisional licenses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, unless calling parents.

School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

Pending cell phone legislation:
SB 1139 and HB 527: Would prohibit drivers’ use of mobile phones without hands-free devices.

Legislation notes:

In 2007, the Highway Patrol wrote only 35 tickets for cell phone infractions, MSN Money reported.

Teen drivers can see their progress toward a full license delayed by six months … if a ticket were actually issued. A 2008 study by the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that North Carolina students were largely ignoring the law.

North Carolina is another state distracted by false email claims that new cell phones laws are in effect for all drivers. Florida cell phones drivers, as well as those in Texas, were confused by similar hoaxes.

David Kaber, an associate professor of engineering at North Carolina State University, studied the use of cell phones with “adaptive” cruise control — which automatically keeps a safe distance from vehicles ahead.

“The important thing is cell phone use negatively impacts situational awareness, and situational awareness has been linked to effective decision-making and performance,” Kaber said. “People may say ‘I’m using my cell phone, and I can brake in time’ or ‘I can keep my car in the lane’ or ‘I can maintain my speed,’ but the problem is that it is having an impact on their attentional resources. It compromises their overall awareness of the driving environment, and when a critical condition develops, they may not be prepared to deal with it.”

Other NC State researchers looked at cell-phoning drivers’ attitudes toward legislation. They found that most of the cell phone users felt they were better able to handle driving and phoning than other drivers.

“Cell phone users believe that they are better than other people in using their cell phone safely while driving,” said Michael Wogalter, a psychology professor. “They believe that other drivers are more dangerous using a cell phone than themselves.”

Maryland: Cell phone laws, legislation

Current prohibitions:
Drivers under the age of 18 and drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones.

Pending legislation:
A strong hands-free bill is anticipated for the 2009 session after a near victory in 2008 (below).

Legislation notes:

Sen. Michael G. Lenett, D-Montgomery, who has been pushing for limits on drivers’ use of cell phones and texting devices, pushed SB 2 through the full Senate in March 2008, the first time a hand-held proposal was approved by a legislative body in Maryland. It was killed March 27 in a close vote in the state’s House Environmental Matters Committee committee.

“No one has convinced me that cellphones are as dangerous as people say,” a delegate who voted against the handheld phone ban said. Another opponent said, “We’re lacking data.”

“Very disappointing (but) we made more progress this year with this legislation than has ever been made before,” said Lenett, who’ll be reviving the cell phone driving proposal for ‘09.

SB 461, which would have made the cell phone limits on teens a primary offense, also was rejected in March 2008.

Maryland’s Legislature has been debating cell phone driving bills since 1999.

Kansas: Cell phone laws, legislation

Current prohibitions:
None.

Pending legislation:
HB 2706: Requires that “no person while driving a motor vehicle shall be so distracted as to interfere with the safe operation of such motor vehicle. Activities include using personal communication technologies.”

HB 2705: Would prohibit text messaging while driving.

Legislation notes:

HB 2118 would have required hands-free devices for drivers (2007). Died in committee in May 2008.

Lawrence, Kan., received national attention in 2006 for a proposed ban on use of cell phones by drivers.

Alaska: Cell phone laws, legislation

Current prohibitions:

Drivers are banned from text-messaging or watching videos under a law that takes effect Sept. 1, 2008.

Pending legislation:
None.

Legislation notes:

Alaska’s fiercely individualistic nature could make cell-phone driving laws a long shot. Even State Rep. Max Gruenberg, co-author of the texting/video legislation, says he doesn’t think Alaska is ready for a hands-free law.

The texting/portable video law was inspired by a 2002 crash in which an Anchorage couple died. A man was accused of watching the movie “Road Trip” when he hit the couple, but he was acquitted of second-degree murder charges.

Anchorage activist Jennie Morris’ next project could be cell phone use while driving, inspired by an accident in which she was hit by a 19-year-old on a cell phone.

“The question is whether any state or local lawmakers would want to champion that potentially unpopular cause,” a post on the Anchorage Daily News site noted.

Based on reader comments, though, it looks like the Alaska cell-phone debate has begun.

U.S. cell phone laws at a glance

An up-to-date listing of cell phone and texting restrictions across the States. Click on the state’s name to view a full report on laws, legislation and related information.

Alabama: No limits on cell phone use.

Alaska: Drivers are banned from text-messaging or watching videos as of Sept. 1.

Arizona: School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving. In Phoenix, drivers prohibited from using “personal digital assistants to send or receive a written message” (texting).

Arkansas: School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

California: Adult drivers (18 and older) must use hands-free devices. Minors are prohibited from using wireless phones while driving — with or without hands-free devices. Effective Jan. 1, 2009, all drivers prohibited from using wireless devices for sending text messages. School bus operators and transit bus drivers prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

Colorado: Drivers with learner’s permits prohibited from using cell phones.

Connecticut: Adult drivers (18 and older) must use hands-free devices. Minors are prohibited from using wireless phones while driving — with or without hands-free devices. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

Delaware: Drivers with learner’s permits prohibited from using cell phones. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

District of Columbia: Drivers must use hands-free devices. Drivers with learner’s permits prohibited from using cell phones. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

Florida: No limits on cell phone use.

Georgia: School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving, if passengers are present.

Hawaii: No limits on cell phone use except for Army bases (prohibited).

Idaho: No limits on cell phone use.

Illinois: Statewide, drivers under the age of 19 are prohibited from using wireless phones while driving — with or without hands-free devices. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving if passengers are present. In Chicago, all drivers must use hands-free devices.

Indiana: No limits on cell phone use.

Iowa: No limits on cell phone use.

Kansas: No limits on cell phone use.

Kentucky: Drivers under the age of 18 with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses prohibited from using cell phones. School bus operators prohibited from non-official use of cell phones while transporting children.

Louisiana: No limits on cell phone use.

Maine: Drivers under the age of 18 prohibited from using cell phones while driving. Drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

Maryland: Drivers under the age of 18 and drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones.

Massachusetts: School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

Michigan: In Detroit, drivers must use hands-free devices.

Minnesota: Drivers under the age of 18 with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. Text messaging ban in effect Aug. 1, 2008.

Mississippi: No limits on cell phone use.

Missouri: No limits on cell phone use.

Montana: No limits on cell phone use.

Nebraska: Drivers under the age of 18 with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones.

Nevada: No limits on cell phone use.

New Hampshire: No limits on cell phone use.

New Jersey: Drivers must use hands-free devices. Text messaging and use of video games prohibited while driving. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving. Drivers under the age of 21 with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

New Mexico: No statewide limits on cell phone use. Some local ordinances.

New York: Drivers must use hands-free devices for cell phone calls.

North Carolina: Drivers under the age of 18 with provisional licenses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, unless calling parents. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

North Dakota: No limits on cell phone use.

Ohio: No statewide limits on cell phone use. Some local ordinances.

Oklahoma: No limits on cell phone use.

Oregon: Drivers under the age of 18 with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones or text messaging while driving.

Pennsylvania: No statewide limits on cell phone use. Some local ordinances.

Rhode Island: Drivers under the age of 18 prohibited from using cell phones while driving. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

South Carolina: No limits on cell phone use.

South Dakota: No limits on cell phone use.

Tennessee: Drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving, if passengers are present.

Texas: Drivers with intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving, if passengers under 18 are present.

Utah: No limits on cell phone use.

Vermont: No limits on cell phone use.

Virginia: Drivers with intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

Washington: Text messaging prohibited while driving. Drivers must use hands-free devices.

West Virginia: Drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. School bus drivers prohibited from using cell phones while operating the vehicles.

Wyoming: No limits on cell phone use.

Louisiana: Cell phone laws, legislation

Current prohibitions:
None

Legislation notes:
HB402, passed by the House and Senate in May 2008, prohibits school bus drivers from using cell phones. The plan, from Rep. Franklin Foil, R-Baton Rouge, imposes fines and a possible 90-day detour to jail for bus drivers who violate the new law. The limits were inspired by a citizen complaint about a chatty driver. The legislation was sent to the governor June 11.

“We want our school bus drivers, who have precious commodities, our children, to focus on driving,” said Sen. Dale Erdey, R-Livingston.

California state Sen. Joe Simitian, who wrote the famous California hands-free laws, said in June 2008 that he has been consulting with a legislator in Louisiana about similar bills there.

Alabama: Cell phone laws, legislation

Current prohibitions:
None

Pending legislation:
HB 17: Bill would prohibit drivers under 18 years old from using cell phones.*

Legislation notes:
Rep. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, who heads a state safety committee, introduced the 2008 bill banning drivers under 18 from using cell phones. * McClendon told Hands-Free Info that the legislative session ended with the bill stuck in committee, “blocked by chairman of rules Ken Guin, D-Walker County.”

HB 17 is endorsed by the Birmingham News: “Alabama legislators should place more restrictions on teen drivers, including a ban on their use of cell phones while behind the wheel. … No, it’s not good for any of us to be gabbing on cell phones when we’re steering a deadly weapon. But it’s certainly not good for inexperienced drivers to be doing so or, worse, to be sending text messages.”

California: Cell phone laws, legislation

Current prohibitions:
Adult drivers (18 and older) must use hands-free devices.

Drivers may not use wireless devices to “to write, send, or read a text-based communication” — as in text messaging. Law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2009.

Texting (text messaging) currently is illegal for drivers under the age of 18. (Use of devices including pagers, two-way messaging mobile units and PDAs.)

Minors are prohibited from using wireless phones while driving — with or without hands-free devices.

School bus operators and transit bus drivers prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

Pending legislation:
None

Legislation notes:
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 33, the hands-free cell phone bill, into law in September 2006.

State Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, had been trying to pass the bill for six years. He was resisted by all of the major cell phone providers except Verizon, although in the end only Sprint protested the action. After SB 33 passed, the senator later succeeded with SB 1613, which places the cell phone and texting limits on teen drivers.

Then Simitian added the ban on text-messaging while driving to the state’s lawbooks in late September 2008, when Schwarzenegger signed the legislation. SB 28 was approved and sent to the governor on Aug. 21, 2008. It will take effect Jan. 1, 2009.

Cell phone and text-messaging fines: First offense $20. Other convictions, $50. “With court costs and penalties, the true costs of those tickets are $76 and $190, respectively,” the Los Angeles Times reports.

View the posts:
California spikes drivers’ text messaging
California’s hands-free law now in effect

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