« Super Computer Powered by Bicycles!? | Home | Unlocking iPhones – A Profitable Business »

Teens Not Allowed to Use Mobile Phones Behind the Wheel

By Robert | September 17, 2007

Arnold Schwarzenegger was loved by teens as he became Mr. Olympia, was loved by teens as he was The Terminator and is hated by teens now as governor of California. This is because starting from next summer, teenagers in the state will be fined if they are caught using their mobile phones while behind the wheel. This story links with Arnold Schwarzenegger because he was the one that signed the bill submitted by Senator Joe Simitian into law. So, every teenager that uses ANY electronic device will have to pay $20 on the first offense and $50 at each of the next ones. By stating “electronic device” we mean everything including mobile phones, handheld computers, laptops, pagers and so on.

The new law will be applied from the 1^st of July 2008. It is the same day in which another law, which requires all drivers to use hands free gadgets while talking on their mobile phones in the car, comes into effect. There are of course exceptions when making emergency calls.

These two laws are not against use of technology as most people might see it. They do not refer to GPS systems or disk MP3 players installed in a car. The laws aim to mainly fine teenagers because they are considered inexperienced in driving and incapable of multi-tasking under this circumstance. According to Governor Schwarzenegger the laws are aimed to eliminate distractions so that young drivers can focus on driving and not on their newly acquired gadgets.

It might seem like a crime to not be able to use your latest bought iPhone while driving but then again, you could put on hands free. The fines are also not huge and affordable for a lot of teens that get high allowances from their parents. I think we are going to end up seeing a lot of fines and no real results. Maybe with the hands free there will be results, but not always.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.