Deerfield Cell Phone Law

A current issue that has been brought up in Deerfield the past month is the addition of a new law that prohibits people from using their cell phone in the car without a hands free device. Many people talk on the phone when they drive and I think this law coming to Deerfield is a pretty big deal. The hands free device law has been gaining popularity around the state. In the city, people are required to use a Bluetooth headset or any other device that prevents them from putting the phone to their ear when they talk on the phone. Not just the city but suburbs such as Highland Park introduced this law over the summer on June 1^st. Starting November 1^st, this law will go into effect in Deerfield. They police department stated that for the first few weeks, they will be giving out warnings to people but after that the fins are between 120-500 dollars. That is one big ticket for just talking on the phone. People will now need to spend their money on Bluetooth headsets or other devices to prevent getting tickets in Deerfield.

Personally I think it is great that they are making laws to protect the roads, but I think this law is very unnecessary. Holding the phone up to your ear verse having an ear set in and still talking on the phone isn’t much different. I believe that the problem is you brain is focusing on the conversation rather than the road. It really has nothing to do with if you hand is on your ear or you or not using your hands at all.  Yeah, one can argue that having that extra hand free will help you out. But honestly, who drives with two hands on the wheel these days. That extra hand won’t have much on an effect and with a Bluetooth on; you are still engaged in the conversation and distracted from the road. Personally I try to limit when I drive and talk on the phone because I do feel the distraction when I am on the phone. I just don’t think taking your hand down will resolve the problem. And the fine that will go along with this offense just makes this law more pointless.