Distractions, unfortunately, are as much a part of driving as road signs and traffic delays. Motorists have always had to fight the impulse to admire the scenery or talk to fellow passengers. Today, many drivers also contend with cell phones and front-seat coffee cups. Distracted driving plays a part in about 22 percent of the 6 million police reported crashes in the United States each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Two new laws attempt to address this problem in California. The first prohibits all drivers from using handheld wireless telephones while driving. The second law bans motorists under 18 from using any electronic communications device, hands-on or hands-free, while driving. Drivers 18 and over may use hands-free devices.

The laws go into effect on July 1, and there will be no grace period. A first offense will cost $76 and a second one $190. Drivers will still be allowed to use their handheld phones for calls to police, fire departments, medical providers, and other emergency services. (For a more complete explanation of the laws, visit aaa.com/trafficsafety.)

Drivers should remember that hands-free phones are not risk-free. Why? Because the ongoing conversation, not just the operation of the device, distracts the driver.

Talking on the phone, of course, is only part of the driver inattention problem. Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that other common in car activities—eating, drinking, tuning the radio, and text messaging, for example—can also lead to crashes.

To limit distractions, AAA recommends that you:
▪ Preset radio stations and climate controls.
▪ Pull safely off the road to deal with children.
▪ Do your personal grooming at home.
▪ Avoid smoking, drinking, eating, and text messaging while driving.
▪ Use your cell phone only when necessary. Steer clear of casual conversations—and certainly emotional ones—until you’re off the road.

Do your part by taking your driving seriously.