Californians May Have to Give up Hand-Held Cell Phones

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Sacramento insiders say the State Senate-s about to join the Assembly and require that Californians use hands-free cell phones at the wheels of their cars. Any driver caught with a cell phone in hand would be subject to paying a fine. Cell phone limitation was bolstered yesterday by the National Transportation Safety Board, which recommended that novice drivers be barred from using cell phones at all-even if they-re hands free. Can California's handle this -lifestyle challenge?- We hear two sides of the debate on -talkers- rights- from State Assemblyman Joseph Simitian of Northern California, who authored the measure, and the founder of the Independent Institute, which seeks to avoid politicization of public policy and foster effective government reform.
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Transportation Security Administration on reduction of screeners

California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act of 2003 (AB 45)

California Highway Patrol study on driver distractions

Harvard Center for Risk Analysis on risk of cell phone use while driving

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on cell phone as cause of recent train collision

NTSB on cell phone as cause of recent vehicle collision

Mayor Hahn-s veto message to City Council

LA City Committee on Budget and Finance

LA City Council

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney

Producer:

Frances Anderton