California drivers should prepare to TTYL – or talk to you later – when they hit the road.

A new state law, SB 28, prohibits drivers from writing, sending or reading texts and emails while driving. It goes into effect on January 1st.

This law, along with the current California hands-free cell phone laws enacted in July of 2008, is intended to reduce driver distractions. Since the law took effect last July, the California Highway Patrol has reported issuing more than 40,000 citations to chatting motorists. Of those, more than 200 tickets were issued to drivers under age 18. The law prohibits these young drivers from using any cell phone while driving.

Recent studies have shown that motorists talking on cell phones are 30 percent more likely to crash than other drivers. IINC’s podcast series, IINC Spots, currently features examples of hands-free cell phone options available to California drivers.

“Californians are attached to their cell phones so closely that it’s difficult to ignore them in the car,” said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California. “But when driving, our attention should be on the road, and this law is another step in that direction.”
 
The law is a primary offense meaning that a law enforcement officer can pull over any driver – regardless of age – if they are seen holding a cell phone or other personal digital assistant while driving down the road.

Violators will face a fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for a second offense, but with court costs the fines could range from $76 to nearly $200. A point will not be added to the drivers record if cited.

A survey by the Insurance Research Council found that an overwhelming number of cellular phone owners -- 84 percent -- believe that using a phone while driving is a distraction and increases the likelihood of an accident. Additionally, a 2007 survey by Pinger, Inc, discovered that 57 percent of respondents admitted to sending texts while driving and 66 percent admitted to reading texts while driving.

IINC is a nonprofit, non-lobbying communications association representing the property/casualty industry. For more information, visit our Web site at www.iinc.org.