Time Is Up: Put Your Phone Down

IT'S AUGUST : TIME'S UP

Although we probably should have put our phones down years ago; today is the day.You can no longer talk on your phone while in the driver seat; unless it is Bluetooth enabled.

That also means for those of you who rely on your phone for GPS services; you're going to have to make some adjustments if you haven't already.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Under the new law, drivers can send messages or place calls while driving only if their device is in hands-free or voice-activated mode. The law makes an exception for emergency calls.

The new law also means things like manually punching in a phone number or an address into a navigation app are not OK, as well as scrolling through a list of contacts or text messages.

Hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth, allows a driver to do these things without actually holding their phone.

After today, August 1; police can stop anyone they see holding a phone while driving.

CHECKLIST

What does this mean for you? For me, I bought a universal phone mount system for my car. I paid about $12 and have a system that just has a heavy base that sits on my dash, and I can take it into any vehicle I need. easily.

Get your car phone mount
Learn how to use voice activation
Make sure you program your GPS before you drive

Don't forget your new young drivers. Don't only buy yourself a stand, but also talk to your teens about the driving hands free law; and spend a little time setting up your phones for voice activation so you know how to use it before you get behind the wheel.