Buy a cheap cellphone cradle that mounts to a vehicle's dashboard. A conversation can then be carried on using the phone's speakerphone function. Cost: $15 and under at automotive stores.
Tip: If your vehicle's stereo system has an auxiliary jack, you can play your phone through the vehicle's speakers, which makes it easier to hear.
Use a headset. Most phones come with an earpiece or you can easily upgrade to a wireless headset that synchs with a phone.
Wireless headsets typically cost between $30 and $120, and many are available. Before purchasing, be sure you're comfortable appearing as: a) a crazy person muttering to himself, and b) an extra who has wandered off the "Star Trek" set.
That said, I tried a $35 model last week and kind of liked it. Wireless headsets are also great when walking the dog, although Sammy the yellow Lab couldn't figure out why I was talking to the mailbox.
Use a wireless speaker. These mouse-sized devices can be clipped to a sun visor and are a lesser-known alternative to the wireless earpiece. Motorola and Parrot are two prominent manufacturers.
And now the really big question: Will the roads be safer?
Studies over the last decade have produced mixed results. Some have found that it's the conversation, not the phone, that distracts drivers.
On the other hand, a recent report from the California Public Policy Institute predicted that the laws could save hundreds of lives each year.
A lot of readers have shared their opinions with me, and most support the laws -- I'll be getting to those in future articles. But we'll give today's last word to Simitian, who got the laws passed.
"There isn't a study in the world," he said, "that says you're safer clutching a cellphone to your ear than you are when you have both hands on the wheel."
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steve.hymon@latimes.com
