July 3, 2008

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

This week marks the first day of hands-free cell phone use while driving. How do you feel about the new law?
(Asked at Starbucks, Almaden Plaza)


“It’s safer than holding a phone and talking while driving. I got used to it because I’ve been doing it for a long time.”

Albert Betesfandiar, 58
Almaden
Handyman


“I’ve had a Bluetooth for about two years. Using a cell phone is still distracting, and I think people will just hold something else. However, the new law does provide a good opportunity to talk about driving while distracted. Maybe people will just turn off their phone before talking with someone.”

Hadley Watson, 21
Almaden
Executive administrator


“I have an iPhone and it has a speaker and has earplugs. I don’t talk a lot on the phone so it doesn’t affect me. I actually don’t use my phone that much, but I think it's a good law. It will affect lots of people, make them more selective [about taking calls] and possibly change their cell phone habits.”

Carolyn Carr
Almaden
First grade teacher


“Walking here I was quite surprised because I saw three people with phones up to their ear, and one wasn’t paying attention to someone on a bicycle, luckily the cyclist was watching closely. I think it's a good law because I use my cell phone just for emergencies. Once someone side-swiped my car—actually scraped the paint—while talking on their cell phone."

Jackie Stromquist, 50
Almaden
Human resources


“I don’t really use a cell phone in my car. It’s hard to hold and drive, and I don’t have a headset.”

Stephanie Claudatos, 18
Almaden
Incoming freshman at San Jose State


“I think it’s a good idea, but I’m unfamiliar with the technology and that makes it hard. I’m not super technology-oriented and I’ve had trouble with it. I have trucks out and vehicles [for my business that we need to stay in contact with] and we need a system, but the technology is confusing. If you use a speaker phone, it picks up everything from distortions to air conditioning to motor sounds.”

Robert Jacobson, 42
Almaden
Owner of a landscape company


“I think it’s terrible. I can’t use an earpiece and if I want or need to talk with someone, I have to pull over and stop. But I guess it’s safer because teens can’t drive with them.”

Jonathon Keeton, 16
Almaden
Junior college in the fall


“I talked on the phone a lot yesterday to compensate [not being able to use my cell phone in the car today]. I miss it. It may be necessary [for safety], but it’s very inconvenient.”

Caitlin Mulvihill, 18
Almaden
Biola University


“I’ve had it before and used it today. It’s kind of a hassle and I’m not sure how safe it actually is. What if people drop the ear piece and try to look for it while they are driving?”

Jeni, 33
Almaden
Homemaker