Going Metro

To ride or not to ride...that is the question. With gas prices hovering just below 5 dollars, the metro is looking like a pretty good option right now. LA residents are jumping on the bandwagon, or shall we say metro car, in support.

Results of a new study out today show that 73 percent of LA County residents surveyed would support a proposed half-cent sales tax on the November 2008 ballot to fund transportation infrastructure improvements. These results couldn't have come at a better time. At this Thursday's Los Angeles Metro Board meeting, members will discuss this initiative...in the hopes of putting it in the hands of voters this November.

It was just last week on June 19th when commuters were urged to "Dump the Pump". The Third Annual National Dump the Pump campaign raised awareness of the financial and environmental benefits of public transportation. But did the campaign really make an impact? Honestly, the freeways were still packed on that day. I do have to admit though, it's hard to drive a mile without seeing at least 4 or 5 hybrids on the road...mostly the Toyota Prius.

Will the going green, going car-less trend catch on with LA and OC drivers? At the rate these gas prices are climbing, going metro may be the only wallet-friendly alternative. Let's hope that employers will lend their support to the cause and maybe offer some type of "metro" incentive. Sound too good to be true? It's not. The University of California, Irvine (UCI) has already begun the trend by offering to pay for a portion of their employees' weekly Metro Pass. Going green while saving some green...a win-win situation.

Got Bluetooth?

A week from Monday, the rules of the road are changing...at least when it comes to yapping and driving at the same time. I'm not sure everyone is taking this upcoming law very seriously. But I think it may be a wakeup call when you're getting pulled over by the cops...not for speeding, not for running a red light, not for an illegal left turn...but for being on your cell phone. I can't wait to hear all the excuses people will have when being ticketed. Here are some that will probably make the rounds: "It was an emergency!" "Oh, somebody called me...and I had to pick up." "Haven't had a chance to pick up a bluetooth device yet."

Here's a brief Q & A on the "two" new laws straight from the CHP website: (Warning: Some have been written by Captain Obvious)

Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. The second law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle.

Q: What are the fines if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions.
With the addition of penalty assessments, a first offense is $76 and a second offense is $190.

Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.

Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: NO. The law becomes in effect on July 1, 2008.

Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.

Q: Does the new “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.

Q: Will it be legal to use a Blue Tooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.

Come on, now. If you're driving with both ears covered, sounds like you have issues...and shouldn't be behind the wheel in the first place. You can read more about the "hands-free" law at www.chp.ca.gov

Good luck, multi-tasking drivers. Consider yourselves warned.