Drivers in Louisiana and California, pay close attention because starting this month, the road changes for you. Yes, we regret to inform you that you face fines of up to 500 dollars for using your phone while driving. Hands on the wheel always, George.
This measure comes right at a time when the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Security Administration) reports more than 3,200 deaths on the roads (only in 2023) caused by loss of attention from answering the phone, and yes, it is a number that is too big and state governments want to reduce it at all costs.
This new law has already entered into force and intends to get serious with those who break the regulation, there are tougher penalties, the use of the mobile phone while driving is completely limited (only hands free system) and it wants to raise awareness among drivers that when you drive, only the road exists, nothing else, and that every second you spend distracted can be lethal for you, for whoever is with you or for whoever is on the road with you.
What are they looking for with this measure?
Reduce deaths, nothing more and nothing less. 3,200 families broken by distractions behind the wheel are many families in only two states, so the main mission is to reduce deaths. And of course, reeducate drivers, we are sure you can hold on without looking at your phone until you reach your destination, and that way you do not put anyone at risk.
What are the fines?
In Louisiana, House Bill 519 has made any use of the phone while driving illegal unless it is through hands free. Penalties start at 100 dollars, but they can reach 250 dollars in school or work zones, in addition to maintaining the previous fines of 500 dollars for a first offense and up to 1,000 dollars for repeat offenses.
And in California?
In California, where using the phone while driving was already prohibited, a judge clarified that the legislation also applies to the simple act of holding the phone in your hand, even to check the GPS. This means that any contact with the device while the car is in motion can be considered an infraction and sanctioned.
So, you know, in both cases the phone must be left aside and, if you need to use the GPS, look for a service station if you are on the road or choose your destination well before turning the key and starting the trip!
Thousands of lives…
Five seconds are enough to travel 90 km/h. A distraction can take away the lives of many people, and that small five second distraction could cover the length of a football field… If we put it in perspective it is much scarier, right?
The NHTSA warns that distracted driving is already one of the greatest risks to road safety in the U.S., along with speeding or alcohol consumption, and we are talking about many lives that are lost every year on the roads… how much longer are we going to take to wake up and realize that the roads are dangerous and demand our maximum attention?
Towards a country without phones at the wheel?
The measures in Louisiana and California are only the beginning. More and more states are debating similar legislation that seeks to change driver behavior and save thousands of lives each year. The key is to raise awareness that no call or message is more important than safety itself.
So, a call, a snap or a whatsapp are no reason to take your eyes off the wheel, always pay attention to the road and keep your hands on the wheel.