Troopers are being lenient

Following the new hands-free law - The Washington State Patrol released some statistics this week that indicate their troopers are being lenient when it comes to writing out tickets for the new cellphone ban.

During its first 2 weeks in existence (started July 1st, 2008), troopers pulled over 295 people for violating the "hands-free" cellphone law, which is a secondary offense. Secondary offense meaning violators will only get written up after being pulled over for a serious violation (running a red light, not stopping at a stop sign) They issued tickets to only 38% of the "criminals".

WA Troopers handed out the most tickets in State Patrol's District Three, which is made up of Yakima, Benton, and Walla-Walla counties. 24 out of 41 drivers were ticketed.

For more information, check out Washington's hands free laws.

Statistics of the Danger of Cell-Phone use While Driving

It may seem obvious to many of us that cellphone use during a drive can be dangerous. What seems like a better choice: one hand on the wheel and one holding your cell, or BOTH hands holding the wheel, with your full attention on the road?

A study from 2006: The Impact of Driver Cell Phone Use on Accidents shows that what seems like common sense to some of us, really does cause accidents. From a survey conducted on over 26,000 people, over 71% talk on the phone in the car. That large group is 39% more likely to cause car accidents than people not talking on cellphones while driving.

OK so you're thinking "Sure it's safer not to talk, but some of us need to". Lets check some statistics regarding using hands-free devices vs hand-helds.

Only a tiny 14% reported they always use hands-free devices in the car. This group is 16% less likely to cause accidents than people who don't use any hands-free devices. As this study was conducted in 2006, some of it may be slightly outdated. Many older "hands-free" devices aren't actually hands-free because they still make you dial the call from your cellphone. However, the devices get easier including the brand new ones that offer 100% full voice- recognition software, making sure you won't need to lift a finger.

What does this all mean for us? While it's safer not to talk at all while driving, using a hands-free device greatly reduces your risk of having an accident. So please - take care of yourselves.