You see it almost everyday.  The person in front of you on the road, slightly swerving and driving at varying speeds.  You think to yourself, "what is wrong with this guy?"   Then you get the same answer that you always do.  That idiot is on the phone.  Well, fear not people, our lives will change dramatically as Washington has now become a "hands-free" state.  Right?  Probably not.

What does the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have to say about the whole thing?  "Laws like Washington's probably will have a big effect on making people feel good about passing a law, but zero effect on highway safety."  Well, that's refreshing.

The Washington ban is a secondary offense law.  That means that  Johnny Law has to pull you over for some other bonehead move before giving you an additional ticket for gabbing with your best friend.  Well, it certainly won't be for speeding.  Everyone on the phone that I encounter is usually going 50mph. 

In states with the ban in effect, exceptions are generally given for incoming calls and for emergency calls.  Oh, I can just see it now.  You get pulled over and then explain to the officer that it was an incoming call.  "No really officer, they called me.  Here, let me pull up my 'calls received' menu on my phone to show you.  While we're here do you want to see a ten second movie of my kid that I shot with my phone?" 

If you do get nailed for talking without a hands-free device you will be forking out $124.  Ouch!  In California  they only have to pay $20 for the first offense, but penalties can escalate with increasing violations. 

Will everyone switch?  Of course not.  Will Kiera 'The Traffic Chic' switch?  I plead the fifth.  Will Kiera be investing in hands-free technology stock?  Yes.  Will we see a major improvement in highway safety?  I sure hope so, but I'm not going to hold my breath.