While Schwarzenegger admits it’s dangerous to drive while holding and talking on a cellular phone, he somehow found a legitimate reason to exclude Emergency-Service Providers from the law taking effect July 1, 2008 (yes, in two years) and delay implementation among Nextel (push-to-talk) commercial drivers until 2011.

So, could someone explain to me why a $15-$20 headset isn’t just as good for them too? There are push to talk headsets, as shown above (Photo Credit: Nextel) that allow commercial drivers to use the same type of headset as everyone else. And Emergency Service vehicle operators should only be allowed only to use in them in the event of failure of all other communications devices, and they should have headsets anyway. But isn’t there something even more threatening to the masses?

Texting while driving. It’s becoming a more and more common event, which of course started with Blackberry users, and it continues today, evolving more and more acceptable. Stop it!

California Motorists could face fines of up to $50 if they violate the new law, which makes it an infraction to hold a cell phone while driving. It takes effect July 1, 2008, and is similar to laws in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington D.C.

Cell-phone use is the top cause of accidents triggered by distracted drivers, according to California Highway Patrol statistics dating to 2001.

“The simple fact is, it’s dangerous to talk on your cell phone while driving,� Schwarzenegger said. “So getting people’s hands off their phones and onto their steering wheels is going to make a big difference in road safety.�

Calls made to emergency-service providers are exempt, as are drivers of emergency vehicles. Commercial vehicle drivers can use push-to-talk phones until July 1, 2011.

Source: Calif. drivers can’t hold cell phones - U.S. Life - MSNBC.com