As of New Year’s Day, it’s a hands-off affair for cell phone-using motorists

By Ed Johnson

The South County Spotlight, Jan 6, 2010

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Yakkers beware: Starting on New Years Day, driving and operating a cell phone at the same time became illegal in the state of Oregon. Or rather, more illegal.

Since 2007, using a cell phone while behind the wheel has been a secondary offense, meaning an additional penalty would be tacked on if you were pulled over for another infraction. Now, just having a phone in your hand will be enough to see flashing lights in your rearview mirror, and a $142 ticket.

Numerous academic studies have shown that driving while using a cell phone is dangerous. One study in the June 29, 2006, “Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society,” found that cell-phone driving was like driving while drunk.

Folks in Columbia County have mixed reactions to the new law. Some said they understood the reasoning behind the new law, but would probably still struggle to follow it. Critics have said the law is just one more “nanny-state” rule.

Others were a little more apathetic.

“I don’t really care,” said 20-year-old Josh Hill, of Scappoose. He said that he had no plans to buy new hands-free equipment for his cell phone, and likely won’t change his habits. He said he sometimes talks on the phone while behind the wheel if it’s an urgent call.

Travis Kautenberg, who owns the Wireless Etc. store in St. Helens, said that he’s seen a significant uptick in customers buying hands-free devices in the last week. Besides being a boon of extra business for his store, Kautenberg said, he also just thinks the law makes sense.

“Most everybody I’ve talked to seems to think it’s a good idea,” he said.

And what about those people who don’t like the new law? Some of the people who have been in his store buying something that they didn’t really want?

“Sure, some people are upset,” Kautenberg said. “But that’s just the way it is –you’re always going to have someone who is unhappy.”

Enforcing the law

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