JCRegister

Jersey City motorists should be aware of this new law taking effect on Saturday, March 1, 2008: Hand-held devices such as cell phones will be prohibited while driving.

For directionally-challenged drivers like me, we better pullover if we need help for directions, because if we are “caught talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone can be hit with $100 fine and a $250 surcharge.”

Photo Credit: ohtoberich (click name to view original picture)

Alternatively, you can use a Bluetooth headset or a hands-free talking device if you really need to make or answer a call while you are behind the wheels.

The NJ.com news implied that the law was approved to lessen accidents and crashes on the road, and to make driving in NJ safer. But the statistics show that the difference between using hand-held equipment and using hands-free ones is minimal.

I only drive around the city. And I can honestly say I don’t talk (or text) and drive; I don’t have that multi-tasking skills while driving. One time I saw a man in Route 22 (? — can’t remember), driving with one hand, the other was being used solving a crossword puzzle, while his left foot rested on the partially-opened side window. Do the authorities arrest this kind of irresponsible drivers?

How about you, do you drive and talk? How often to do you drive out of Jersey City?