Sonoma drivers ‘cell’ out

It’s been nearly a month since California’s two no-cell-phones-while-driving laws went into effect, and Sonoma drivers are getting the message – even when they break the rules.
“It’s ’I know – I haven’t gotten my thing,’ or ‘I forgot,’” Sonoma police Sgt. Dave Thompson said Friday, paraphrasing some of the 23 drivers cited between July 1 and July 25.
The first law prohibits anyone from using a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle on California roadways. The second prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone while driving. Both laws became effective July 1. Violations carry a minimum base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses – but court costs and other fees can double or even triple those amounts.
Cell phones can continue to be used by those 18 and older if they have either a wireless or hard-wired headset in one ear. In addition, no penalty is attached for emergency calls to police, fire agencies or medical providers, or for making calls while the vehicle is stopped. According to CHP’s 2007 statistics, 1,091 crashes – and 447 injuries – were blamed on drivers using hand-held cell phones.
Thompson said he’s seeing more drivers either using headsets or pulling off the road to make a call. But he also noted what he’s not seeing.
“I was sitting on Fifth Street West yesterday – I said, I’m going to watch 10 cars go by,” he said Friday. “I ended up watching about 50 cars and didn’t get one violation.”