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Hands Free Law Breakdown | «« back |
| by ALVIN LOI / Staff Writer | November 2011 |
photos courtesty of: the police dept.
Drivers, take heed on the road and put down that cell phone. Officers are patrolling the streets and will pull over any driver
they see using their cell phones.
According to Metro officer Chrissie Coon, senate bill, 140 was put into effect to crack down on distracted drivers.
"We want people to set their eyes on the road and stop paying attention to their phones," said Officer Coon.
She talked about with the advent of smart phones that people are getting more distracted. The problem was not just related to people talking on their phones either. She said more people were getting distracted with Facebook and Twitter, and the different social media outlets.
Officer Coon also warned the danger of texting while driving as well.
"In order to text, in order to navigate on phone, on a touch screen, you have to take your eyes off the road and look at that screen," stated Officer Coon.
Officer Coon went on to describe anincident where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street in a crosswalk. She said the pedestrian had the right of way, however, the driver of the vehicle was texting and never saw the red light. Officer Coon explained that cases like these illustrate the danger of distracted driving.
Since the law went to affect in October, there has been a grace period for drivers. Police officers can pull drivers over for using any device that occupies their hands. For now, theofficers will merely give a warning to the driver, but they can use the stop-to-check method for any other violations. This would include proof of insurance, equipment, or any other type of violations Officer
Coon stated.
Once January 1 comes about, the grace period is over for drivers.
"The first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 and then second offense within seven years is a $100 fine and a
third offense within seven years is a $250 fine. I believe if a person is convicted of a third offense, their driver's license is suspended for sixmonths," Officer Coon said.
People have had a hard time adjusting their habits, especially the younger generation according to Coon. She said that some people are not aware of the law or have some indifference toward the law.
This sentiment was echoed by Collegeof Southern Nevada (CSN) student Brittney Urich. She stated that while she is aware of the law, she continues to use her cell phone while in the car.
"It such a big habit I am so connectedto my cell phone that I am impatient when I want to get back to somebody as far as
texting goes. As far as taking a phone call, I guess it is hard for me to break the habit," [sic] Urich explained.
"The younger generation, this is new for them. They are really going to have to relearn how to drive without focusing on some sort of cell phone, iphone, ipod, any of those things," said Officer Coon.
She said that there were some exceptions to the law … if a person needed to make an emergency call to law enforcement. Officer Coon also stated that police officers could use their devices as long as they wereacting in an official capacity. However,
if a person was stopped at a red light, they still cannot use their devices.
Officer Coon recommended that if drivers needed to use their cell phones, they should pull into a parking lot and park their
vehicle. She recommends people to put their devices away or even turn them off unless they really need them. She stated that texting back, or answering your phone is not worth risking your own life, or someone else's.
College of Southern Nevada (CSN) student Luiza Benisano, agrees with the sentiment.
"They don't know that [cell phones] can potentially cause accidents." She continued, "just always focus on the road …" Benisano said.
So, the next time drivers are on the road, they should think twice before using their cell phones or electronic devices.
