-
If you want breaking news sent to your email just click here.More >> If you want breaking news sent to your email just click here.More >>
SALINAS - New developments on the state ban on texting. There's now an exception to the rule, because of improved voice-operated technology.
Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law, which allows drivers to send a text message as long as it's hands free.
It's been three years since the law passed to stop drivers from texting behind the wheel.
Gov. Brown said as people can talk, text, or e-mail using just their voice, they aren't breaking the law.
And with hands-free mobile devices getting more high tech, most things can be done without your fingers.
While Robert Lehman, public information officer with the California Highway Patrol, doesn't want to comment on the exception to the law, he said distracted driving continues to be a big risk people take when getting behind the wheel, even if their hands are on the wheel.
"People have to ask themselves, 'Is that phone call really worth it?' The fact that it distracts you so much that it could lead to a crash, injury or worse yet a loss of life."
Central Coast News told you 23-year-old Stephanie Sablan's story in April.
She learned the lesson the hard way, paralyzed after texting and driving.
"Of course the text message, being able to access e-mail , websites while you're driving is a huge danger, probably one of the biggest risks we have out there on the highway right now," Lehman said.
But now Gov. Brown is opening the door for people to still get to that all-important message, or call, on the road.
"Just that act of caring on that conversation is also a distraction, so again put that stuff aside. The car is not the place to have those phone conversations," Lehman said.
