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Thursday, June 19, 2008
Law - "California cellphone law may be more costly than the $20 fine"
Another California story, but something to keep in mind. Indiana has no state-wide law, but Gary has an ordinance - see this Oct. 8, 2007 ILB entry.
Ralph Vartabedian of the Los Angeles Times reports today in a long story that begins:
The threat of a $20 fine may not sway every California driver from using a hand-held cellphone when a state ban takes effect July 1, but a motorist who ignores the law and causes an accident could face huge civil judgments or even jail if fatalities result."If you cause a fatal accident and you are running a stop sign, speeding or crossing a double line, any additional violation would add to the possibility a manslaughter charge could be filed," said W. Scott Thorpe, chief executive of the California District Attorneys Assn. "It all goes to state of mind and your recklessness."
The cellphone law is moving the state into uncharted territory. Though other states have enacted such laws, prosecutors, trial lawyers and insurance companies say it is still too soon to measure the effects.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on June 19, 2008 08:46 AM
Posted to General Law Related