It is not a new thing; we all know that using your cell phone while driving is risky and increases the risk of accidents three times. However, this state has emphasised increasing the restrictions of the regulations, and it has approved a massive and stricter ban on cell phones on the road. It is just quite disturbing to know and witness a number of drivers on the road who do not care or, at least, try to obey the rules. They are still using their phones while driving. Over the years, even before smartphones and cell phones, whenever people would travel, they would use foldable maps, and that too caused major accidents on the road.
You can open a GPS app to help with directions, but it is still not allowed
Imagine driving, getting lost, and then you just try to see if the GPS can help you get to your destination. Before you know it, a police officer is stopping you. You explain that the reason for holding your phone in your hands was to check the directions to the place where you are headed, because you are not familiar with the place; then the officer charges you with breaking the law.
You were not texting, calling, or scrolling on social media; just opening Google Maps or any other app, and then you got into trouble. This is the new rule; yes, you read it right, even if you want to check for directions, you are not allowed to hold your cell phone in your hands. This particular state has put in place these strict rules to increase safety on the roads.
Drivers in the state of California are no longer permitted to hold phones, even at stoplights or for directions
The state of California has a regulation called “Hands-free” where drivers are prohibited from using their cell phones while driving. This is particularly a rule that operates globally with just different names. However, California has gotten even stricter because you are not allowed to check for directions either. So, what happens if I am new in an area or if I am getting lost? This is what the state recommends:
- The use of voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
- A single swipe is allowed or recommended when the smartphone is modded.
- Phones can only be used on a mounted device; otherwise, holding them is now illegal.
This is a good move to safeguard the communities within the state
Many people have lost their dear lives because of such a simple incident as checking their phone. Besides this rule, regulators have even initiated speed limits as low as 20 mph across various regions of New York, just to mention one state; however, across the nation, it is being implemented. These rules are there to try and stop unnecessary deaths and injuries occurring on the road because of reckless drivers.
If these rules are adhered to, the future of the state of California looks good. In fact, it can set a good example for some of these states and drivers to try by all means to obey. If you know where you are going, and perhaps it is a 45-minute to an hour drive, it does not hurt to communicate with your loved ones that you will only take calls or reply to texts after that period of time, instead of risking lives because of a text. Get a mounting device to make life easier if you need directions, or perhaps the state can issue installation of speed limit devices, too. More information can be found at the California Office of Traffic Safety.
