Hands-free in the car
Where to find gadgets to stay legal
-
Associated Press
Putting a cell phone up to your ear while driving becomes an illegal act on Tuesday, July 1.
Friday, June 27, 2008 | 3:22 pm
So the big day is nearly here. July 1. Canada Day.
In addition to being a day for Canadian pride, Tuesday is the day that it becomes illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while traveling down the road. A driver who talks on a handheld phone could face a fine of $124.
There are some unusual aspects to this. At least at first, violations will be secondary offenses. That means a law enforcement officer will have to stop a driver for another offense, such as speeding, before trying to enforce the cell phone law. There also is considerable debate over whether the hands-free cell phone law makes any big difference in safety.
But the law is the law, so let's move on to what gadgets are available, and available cheap, to comply with it.
There actually are plenty of articles on the Web about this issue, right now as a similar hands-free law goes effect in the car capital of the world - California - the same day as Washington's. Among the online resources is this one, which points out that not all of the wireless headsets out there are the same.
For more recommendations on what piece of shiny technology is the best one to shove in your ear, go to CNET's guide to the best Bluetooth headsets or to PC Magazine's guide. The best Bluetooth headsets, according to those sites, run about $70 and up.
If gas prices have your wallet feeling emptier than that, however, try Freeheadset.org, which offers wired headsets for just the cost of shipping (about $4) and big discounts on Bluetooth sets.
Two more tips: If you got a new wireless phone within the past couple of years and have never used the headset, get out the box in which the phone arrived. There's probably a nice wired headset packed in there. They're not fancy, but using it will put you in compliance with the law. And, if you're still confused about hands-free accessories, check with your wireless carrier. Nearly all carriers sell such accessories, although their prices aren't always the best.
As always, even when following the new law: Be careful about talking while driving!
In addition to being a day for Canadian pride, Tuesday is the day that it becomes illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while traveling down the road. A driver who talks on a handheld phone could face a fine of $124.
There are some unusual aspects to this. At least at first, violations will be secondary offenses. That means a law enforcement officer will have to stop a driver for another offense, such as speeding, before trying to enforce the cell phone law. There also is considerable debate over whether the hands-free cell phone law makes any big difference in safety.
But the law is the law, so let's move on to what gadgets are available, and available cheap, to comply with it.
There actually are plenty of articles on the Web about this issue, right now as a similar hands-free law goes effect in the car capital of the world - California - the same day as Washington's. Among the online resources is this one, which points out that not all of the wireless headsets out there are the same.
For more recommendations on what piece of shiny technology is the best one to shove in your ear, go to CNET's guide to the best Bluetooth headsets or to PC Magazine's guide. The best Bluetooth headsets, according to those sites, run about $70 and up.
If gas prices have your wallet feeling emptier than that, however, try Freeheadset.org, which offers wired headsets for just the cost of shipping (about $4) and big discounts on Bluetooth sets.
Two more tips: If you got a new wireless phone within the past couple of years and have never used the headset, get out the box in which the phone arrived. There's probably a nice wired headset packed in there. They're not fancy, but using it will put you in compliance with the law. And, if you're still confused about hands-free accessories, check with your wireless carrier. Nearly all carriers sell such accessories, although their prices aren't always the best.
As always, even when following the new law: Be careful about talking while driving!
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