I recently received an email describing a new law that is supposedly going into effect on July 1, 2008 in North Carolina. The law would prohibit drivers from talking on a cell phone while driving, unless they use a hands-free device. (Drivers under age 18 would be prohibited from using any type of wireless device.) The email gives extensive details about the new law, including penalties for breaking it.

Unlike most emails of this nature that I receive, I believed it to be true because I had heard about the new law from other sources, including mainstream media and even a NC DMV employee. I have recently learned that THIS EMAIL IS A HOAX! According to the North Carolina General Assembly’s website, no such law is scheduled to take effect in North Carolina. The law described in the email is actually for the state of California. The content of the email was taken directly from the California Department of Motor Vehicles Code publication on their DMV website.

There are currently laws in North Carolina prohibiting cell phone use for some drivers. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a cell phone behind the wheel, except to call their parents or law enforcement in an emergency situation. Bus Drivers are also not permitted to speak on cell phones while driving. A law outlawing cell phone use while driving (except with a hands-free phone or head set) has been introduced into the N.C. General Assembly several times over the past few years. The law was passed by the State Senate in 2007, but it was not ratified by the legislature.

Even though it looks like North Carolina drivers will be permitted to talk freely for a while longer, it is only a matter of time before such a law is passed. Although many of us do it on a regular basis, talking on a cell phone while driving is dangerous. Not only is it a significant distraction, but it takes one hand off the wheel that could be needed to help control the vehicle to avoid an accident. Talking on the phone also limits your ability to turn your head to see clearly while backing up or changing lanes.

Remember - being a good, safe driver requires paying constant attention to your surroundings, having quick reactions, and maintaining total control over your vehicle. You can’t do any of these things while holding a cell phone. You didn’t see Danika Patrick using a cell phone at the Japan 300 last week, did you?

Drive Safely!