A car darts into your lane on the freeway, nearly clipping your front bumper, and you wonder: ‘Did they even see my vehicle?’ When getting a better look at the driver that nearly sideswiped you, it becomes evident that the driver is chatting away on a cell phone.
Although this is a frustrating and common occurrence, we are all guilty of talking on our phones while driving. But, come July 1 with California’s new hands-free legislation, this distracting behavior will result in a fine.
The controversy and new rules banning alcohol at the beach, while still defining for most coastal residents, might take a back seat to the attention on driving laws and road safety this summer.
On July 1, two new laws dealing with the use of handheld cell phones while driving go into effect across California, impacting more than
23 million licensed drivers. The first prohibits all drivers from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device and drivers under 18 may not use either while driving ” with the exception of emergency situations.
While we gripe about having to adjust our chatty habits, this is an opportune time to slow down and focus on safer driving practices. Fortunately, San Diego is making a countywide effort to improve these conditions by providing safety services and informative resources to motorists, such as the 5-1-1 program.
The San Diego Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) Mobile Call Box Program works in conjunction with the SANDAG
5-1-1 Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS). Whereas calling 5-1-1 provides information on live traffic reports, transit and ride sharing, the Mobile Call Box Program is the “Roadside Assistance” component, implemented to provide non-emergency roadside relief to motorists driving on county highways or freeways.
Most drivers have seen the blue call boxes fixed along the freeway and they may have even seen someone walking to the call box for help with their vehicle not too far way on the shoulder. With the Mobile Call Box Program, the same public service is available by calling 5-1-1 toll free.
The next time you are in need of a tow truck, tire change, gasoline, transfer to AAA or other motorist aid service, 5-1-1 will connect you directly to a live call center operator who will assist in getting you the help you need. However, call boxes remain operational if a cell phone is not available.
To insure your safety in the event you need roadside assistance, make sure to follow the following steps:
“¢ Pull over to the shoulder of the road, and use your hazard lights.
“¢ Determine where you are located, either by the nearest exit, highway number or other landmark.
“¢ Dial 5-1-1 from your cell phone and, when prompted, say “roadside assistance.”
Most drivers do not worry about or prepare themselves for a time when they will need roadside assistance until it happens. And it is never a convenient time to get that flat tire, empty tank of gas or overheating engine.
Knowing about the Mobile Call Box Program and taking a minute to program 5-1-1 in your cell phone is a way to turn a potentially prolonged and traumatic experience into only a minor inconvenience.
With the SAFE Mobile Call Box Program and the new hands-free legislation going into effect, we hope driver safety will take the front seat for drivers during San Diego’s busy summer travel season.
SAFE is a publicly funded local government agency that is responsible for operating and maintaining the system of 1,400 fixed roadway call boxes on San Diego County’s highways and freeways. For more information about the SAFE Mobile Call Box Program and 5-1-1, visit www.511sd.com and www.sdcallbox.org. To learn more about the hands-free legislation coming into effect July 1, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.
” Eddie Castoria is the executive director of San Diego SAFE Mobile Call Box Program. He is also the president and CEO of TeleTran Tek Services (T-Cubed).