Jennifer Burton
Channel 2 News
The new law that bans the use of cell phones while driving officially took effect January 1st, but some drivers still seem confused about what's legal and what's not. Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chuck Allen says it's easy to spot those breaking the law.
"One of the obvious signs is the cell phone up to somebody's ear and that person talking on it," he says.
Statistics show that in 2009 more than 5,000 people were killed and 500,000 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. For three months troopers have been issuing warnings to drivers they see
talking on the phone. Now the law is in effect for real, and drivers
risk a ticket and a fine if they don't put down their phones.
So what are doing to try to break the cell phone habit? Some are using Bluetooth earpieces to keep their hands on the wheels. Reno resident Holly Trainer just bought a new car stereo that has Bluetooth technology built in.
"So now it's totally hands-free. When my cell phone rings, I just push a button and that's it," says Trainer.
But if you don't know how to use them, you can still get into trouble.
"One person had a Bluetooth earpiece but when his phone rang, he picked it up while driving to look at the caller ID and I explained to him that that's still breaking the law," Allen says.
Troopers say the most common mistake they've seen is people thinking it's okay to use their phone when they're stopped at a traffic light.
"The law clearly states that you're operating a motor vehicle and that includes sitting in traffic. You cannot use your hand-held phone unless you use Bluetooth or other hands-free technology," Allen adds.
His advice is to put the phone on silent and tuck it out of sight to avoid being distracted. That's what Neal Anderson of Reno does.
"Most of the time I'll just put the phone away when I'm driving the car," Anderson said.
But not everyone we talked to plans to change their behavior. One woman from California told us she's not planning to stop using her phone when she's in the car. Kristine White says it really doesn't bother her to talk on the phone and drive.
"I still use my hands. I still talk on the telephone when I'm driving," she said.
But ignore the new law at your own risk. The fine starts at $50 for the first offense, and can go up to $250.
