California drivers can no longer pick up their cell phones while driving – even when stopped at a red light.
The new “no-touch phone law” went into effect in July and is designed to increase safety on the road. Previously, the “hands-free phone law,” passed in 2017, said drivers were not allowed to use a hands-free communication device while driving, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
According to the new law, drivers cannot touch their phones at all while driving – even at a stop sign or stop light. The law states that phones are to be used in hands-free mode or under voice-command, according to the California Legislative Information website.
Julia Nguyen, a 20-year-old journalism major, said that even though she does not drive, she agrees that it is a smart idea to use hands-free devices so drivers are not tempted to touch their phones.
“I feel like it is very valid. I feel like in today’s day and age, people are addicted to their phones, so it is pretty hard to get off the phone,” Nguyen said. “With being responsible for driving behind a wheel, with possibly getting injured and having that responsibility, it is important to not use your phone.”
Tou Thor, a patrol officer of the Los Rios Police Department, said there hasn’t been many problems with distracted driving on campus but the main goal of the LRPD is to ensure safety on campus.
“We haven’t any issues with that, with a vehicle hitting a pedestrian or bystander walking,” Thor said. “For the most part it is pretty well regulated here.”
Thor said that distracted driving is more of a problem off campus, on the main streets where there are traffic lights.
Thor said the new guideline of not being allowed to touch your phone at a stop sign or stop light, will make drivers more attentive and alert.
“I think it’s just a human reaction. You could be on your phone for two to three seconds and a light could just switch on. People can walk in front of a car that quick,” Thor said. “It’s that one to two seconds that matter.”
Many students said that they were unaware of the “no touch phone law,” but have said that it is understandable why the law exists.
Tony Ly, an 18-year-old mechanical engineering major, said that he will make sure to abide by the rules.
“It definitely is very strict. They had to have implemented it for a reason,” Ly said.
Crystal Qui, a 58-year-old student in the English as a Second Language program, said that she uses her mounted phone for directions to prevent safety risks with it in her hand.
“I agree with the law, it’s not safe,” Qui said.