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Californians weigh in on new law Video

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Californians weigh in on new law
Created: 06/27/2008
Video description: California's hands-free cell phone law is set to take effect Tuesday. On the eve of the change, CNET News.com's Holly Jackson took to the streets of San Francisco to see how consumers feel about the new legislation. Will it make them feel safer on the road?

Californians weigh in on new law Video Transcript

>> I'm Holly Jackson, cnetnews.com. It's just a few days before the California Hands-Free Cell Phone legislation goes into effect. We're out here on the streets of San Francisco to see what people think. How do you feel about the new hands-free legislation?

>> Well my husband rides a motorcycle, and I'm the passenger and so I strongly support the fact that people shouldn't be on their cell phones as they're driving because you're way over distracted. So many people in the city don't use their turn signals in the first place; they're not paying attention enough even when they're not on their phone, and so I just don't think that people should be allowed to be on their cell phones while they're on the road.

>> Actually I think it's more convenient to have a hands-free so it won't make a difference for me.

>> Did you go out and buy a Bluetooth headset or did you already have one?

>> I already have one but I'm actually looking to get a better one because I don't really like the one I have so.

>> So you're gonna upgrade because of this new law?

>> Yes.

>> We are really distracted when we talk on the cell phone so I agree. I do a lot of things when I drive which isn't really good but you know I think it's a good idea.

>> Whenever you are driving behind somebody and they're acting really weird, as soon as you get next to them they're on a cell phone which means that people can't do two things at one time. It's very dangerous, so I think it's a great law. In fact, we've got our Bluetooth's' all fired up and ready to go right?

>> I think it's gonna save an enormous number of lives and time and anger from just road rage. Just kind of out reading about people getting shot everyday now so I think it's perfect. I'm all for it.

>> How do you feel about the new hands free legislation?

>> Well, when it comes to the hands-free legislation, I feel like if they ban cell phones, you have to ban like changing the heat on your--you have to ban changing the radio, you have to ban basically everything you do.

>> In general, it's a little dangerous to be talking on the phone while driving with it in your hand, of course, I do it too even while I'm in a manual car.

>> So how do you manage that?

>> Very carefully.

>> Okay ladies how do you feel about the new hands-free cell phone legislation?

>> Good.

>> It's pretty good.

>> Good.

>> Why do you think that?

>> It probably adds to safety on the road and however you can minimize injuries or accidents is probably a good idea.

>> Paying attention while driving is a very excellent thing I'm assuming.

>> So do you think it will make a big difference? Do you think it will be in force and hopefully people will pay attention to it?

>> I've been pulled over in other states for driving that have laws in effect.

>> Have you?

>> Yeah and I was in Connecticut so maybe I don't know--they're enforced the same way.

>> Whether you like it or not the law will be going into effect on July 1st. Police will start issuing tickets at $20 dollars for the first offense and $50 dollars for the second. I'm Holly Jackson at cnetnews.com.

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