Jim Stark
InstantRiverside.com

Although California’s hands-free law for cell phone usage while driving went into effect two years ago, many drivers are still failing to obey it.

According to statistics from the California Highway Patrol, since the hands-free law went into effect, there have been more than 1,200 crashes throughout the state caused by inattentive drivers using cell phones. Those crashes resulted in 16 deaths and more than 850 people injured. The law prohibits the use of hand held cell phones by all drivers. It also prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone while driving.

A ban on text messaging while driving was put into effect six months later. The penalties for breaking the hands-free law include a fine of $75 for the first offense, $150 for the second offense, as well as additional court costs.

“Too many motorists have been injured or died because of inattention while driving,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow in a press release. “Drivers need to put down the phone and focus on driving; otherwise it may cost you your life, or the life of your loved ones.”