On July 1, 2008, Washington will introduce its new hands-free legislation affecting 4.6 million drivers.1 The Plantronics survey, which polled 400 licensed drivers in Washington, also found that 40 percent of respondents weren’t familiar with the consequences for not complying with the law. Other findings include:

1. Sixty percent of Washington drivers admitted to regularly talking on their cell phones while driving; their primary reasons were:
1. To keep in touch with family members (63 percent)
2. To take care of work-related issues (19 percent)
3. To catch up with friends (8 percent)
2. Sixty percent of Washington drivers believe that headsets help eliminate physical distractions when performing driving tasks
3. Seventy-five percent of Washington drivers would recommend that their friends and loved ones use a headset

Under the new law, drivers cannot hold cell phones to their head while on the road. Hands-free devices such as headsets and speakerphones are mandatory when using a cell phone while driving.

Not abiding by the hands-free law is a secondary offense. Drivers will be stopped if they are found to be driving unsafely or if they are in violation of other laws. There will be no grace period and no warning tickets issued. Fines will be $124 for the first and subsequent violations.

Plantronics offers the following tips for keeping both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road when using your cell phone and hands-free device while driving:

1. Trial Run: Practice using your phone and headset together before you drive. Familiarize yourself with the headset controls. Adjust the fit and the microphone on your headset, check the headset settings on your cell phone and stow the phone so it’s out of your way but still accessible.
2. Be Prepared: Program all your frequently called numbers into your phone. This includes your boss, your kids’ babysitter and your favorite neighborhood pizza place. And don’t forget about voice dialing; most phones have that option, so use it as much as possible.
3. Set Up for Success: Just as you check your rearview mirror and secure your seatbelt before driving, be sure to put your headset on and ensure it’s connected properly to your phone.
4. Driving Comes First: Remember your first priority is driving. You should only place and receive calls when it’s absolutely necessary.