http://handsfreeinfo.com Just another WordPress weblog Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:43:26 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Cell phone calls are far more distracting to drivers than chats with their passengers, a new study finds. The results apply to hand-held phones as well as those equipped with hands-free devices such as wireless headphones. Researchers at the University of Utah examined the simulated driving patterns of 41 adults and ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/drivers-better-off-talking-to-passengers Three Canadian provinces -- Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia -- have adopted bands on drivers' use of hand-held cell phones. A plan to prohibit Ontario motorists from using cell phones without hands-free devices was shot down in October 2008. The market research company Angus Reid says 88 percent of Canadians ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/canadian-cell-phone-law-updates Current prohibitions: Colorado law prohibits drivers with any type of instruction permit from using a "mobile communication device," including cell phones and text messaging units. This includes instruction permit holders of all ages. Pending legislation: None. Colorado cell phone legislation notes: State Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, says she'll sponsor a cell phone ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/colorado-cell-phone-laws-legislation Current prohibitions: Drivers must use hands-free devices while talking on cell phones. Pending legislation: S3195 and A7299: Would add text messaging to current ban on drivers' use of hand-held cell phones. Would create a "cell phone safety" component to driver education courses. The Senate approved the measure May 27, 2008. ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/new-york-cell-phone-laws-legislation Current prohibitions: School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving, if passengers are present. Pending legislation: HB 19: Would create distracted driving penalties for motorists who were using cell phones at the time of an accident, with or without hands-free devices. One-point penalty and up to $500 fine upon ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/georgia-cell-phone-laws-legislation Current prohibitions: Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using cell phones or text messaging. School bus drivers are prohibited from using cell phones or text messaging Pending legislation: HB 1615 -- Delegate Algie Howell, D-Norfolk, has prefiled legislation to the 2009 General Assembly that would ban text messaging while ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/virginia-cell-phone-laws-legislation Current prohibitions: None. Pending legislation: (The 2009 legislative session begins Jan. 12.) Recent cell phone/texting legislation HB 2706: Would have required 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." Last seen in ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/kansas-cell-phone-laws-legislation Current restrictions: Drivers are prohibited from holding cell phones and other wireless communications devices to their ears. Drivers are prohibited from text messaging. Pending legislation: None. Washinton cell phone/texting legislation notes: The text-messaging ban went into effect Jan. 1, 2008. The hands-free law became effective July 1, 2008, the same day as California's heavily ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/washington-state-cell-phone-laws-legislation Current prohibitions: None. Pending legislation: Numerous bills were filed for the 2008 legislative session that would limit use of cell phones. They included: HB 2462, HB 3323: Would require use of hands-free devices by drivers. Not heard in committee. SB 3120, HB 3198, HB 1987: Would prohibit use of cell phones and other ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/hawaii-cell-phone-laws-legislation Current prohibitions: None, but the state outlaws distracted driving, or "being so engaged or occupied as to interfere with the safe driving of that vehicle." The fine is $173 and 4 points. Pending legislation: None. Wisconsin cell phone legislation notes: State Sen. Alan Lasee, R-De Pere, said in November 2008 that he ... http://handsfreeinfo.com/wisconsin-cell-phone-laws-legislation