Pejman Mokhtari
“Ring, ring” is the universal sound most people relate when they realize they’re getting an incoming call on their wireless cell phone, and when driving, students have to make the choice of whether or not to answer.
It is their choice whether to answer it or face the consequences. The recent hands-free driving law might have people wondering if the sheriff’s office at Pierce College is giving out citations to students driving on campus while on their wireless phones. Vehicle Code 23123(A) explains how driving while talking on a cell phone is against the law and can result in a citation. Pierce Deputy Al Guerrero said, “I have not been citing but giving warnings” and that “giving warnings depends upon the officer and agency.”
Citations are viable to be given out to students depending on the officer, but with the cost of books and classes, the last thing students need to worry about is a fine to pay.
Officer Nick Cali of the Los Angeles Police Department West Valley Division said, “first offense is $20, $50 for the second and so on for the next offense. This is applied on street laws, campus laws, and at anytime your vehicle is moving.”
“The vehicle codes will be strictly enforced for the safety of everyone,” Guerrero said.
Some students agree that police officials should give out citations, such as second-year student Pantea Yara, 20, who said “warnings are not necessary because it is a way for the student to get off the hook.”
“Police officials should be giving out citations, but warnings first,” said student Armando Gutierrez. “I do talk on my cell while driving, because I am dumb like the rest of them.”
“Texting is not illegal,” Cali said, “but a probable cause to get pulled over because your eyes are not on the road.”
Though an officer cannot pull you over for texting, if they identify something distracting a driver, a citation is required. First-year student Sara Martinez, 18, believes that while texting is more dangerous, “it is harder to get a citation because you can disguise it.” However, these students should be aware of the consequences of distracted driving. Texting is enough of a distraction to cause a serious accident. If you get caught in a car accident caused by texting or anything else, you’ll want to know what to do next. Try contacting a law firm to see what advice they have.
Deputy Thomas Lynch said, “If they are California drivers, they should be aware of the vehicle codes.”
Guerrero said the vehicle codes are in effect as soon as the driver is on Brahma Drive.
Cell phones have yet to cause much trouble in the Pierce lots.”There have not been any cell phone-related accidents, but most accidents occur due to speeding,” Guerrero said.
Not risking a citation, business major Pouya Yousef, 24, finishes his cell phone conversation before driving in the Pierce College parking lot 1. ()