Drive hands-free while traveling this summer

Most people in states such as California, New York and New Jersey are aware by now that holding a cell phone to your ear while driving can get them into legal trouble. Drivers in states with limited cell-phone driving restrictions — such as prohibiting teen drivers from using cell phones — may be somewhat aware of the restrictions and accompanying penalties. (If you’re unsure about your state’s laws, view this list of current state-by-state regulations.)

But, if you don’t live in one of the states or cities that have enacted hands-free cell phone driving laws, you probably haven’t given it much thought.

You still drive around care-free chatting away on your cell phone, daring the gods of traffic to send a tree branch in the middle of the road your way. But, if you plan any kind of road travel this summer, you better perk up your ears, put that cell phone down and listen up.

The skinny: Just because you don’t live in an area that has banned talking on a cell phone with your hands while driving, doesn’t mean you can’t get nailed for doing so if you happen to pass through that area. And the number of areas that will fine you are growing rapidly. (See chart below)

If you plan to drive through or even near any of the areas listed below, we highly recommend turning your cell phone off if you don’t have a hands-free device. Of course, you could always do the common sense thing, and get yourself a hands-free device anyway! Seriously, don’t wait for the law to catch up with what is clearly a social danger. Lead the hands-free revolution by getting off your phone and onto a headset today.