Drivers are adapting to new cell phone rule to avoid a ticket

Drivers are adapting to a new cell phone use to avoid a ticket, even if they are not making a call. Using the phone in your hand for maps, music, or messages is a violation.

With that many mounts on a dash or a windshield are being sold and helping drivers avoid dangerous situations.

One driver, Joe Demko said relatives gave him the mount for Christmas specifically so he can be safe behind the wheel.

Alan Gold from the Santa Barbara Auto Stereo and Wireless has been installing phone systems and stereos in cars for more than 25 years. He has been ordering specific brackets and mounts that can fit most cars without any major dashboard alterations.

“Driving is something you have to concentrate on,” said Gold. “The whole focus is when the phone is mounted you want to use as much verbal and voice communication as you can.” He says systems are improving to respond clearly to a voice command so that you will not have to handle a phone. “It’s the minute you take your eyes off the road, something can happen.” Pioneer sound systems has a popular product an AVH-4200NEX that connects to an Apple I-phone and displays your device on the screen inside the car. That helps you keep your hands on the wheel and process phone activities with your voice.

Using a hands free device Veronica DeAngelis said, “always the blue tooth if you need to answer the phone because it is an emergency, pull over.”