Talking Hands-Freein 2014

How to navigate hands-free cell phones while

driving

The hands-free cell phones while driving law went into effect January

1.

What does it mean?

No cell phones while driving unless they’re completely

hands-free.

Drivers throughout Illinois caught holding cell phones up to their ears could be subject to a $75 fine.

How can I talk on my phone without holding it?

Many newer-model cars are already Bluetooth-equipped and sync up to cell phones easily.

But older-model cars just don’t have that

capability…

So what can you do?

Embrace technology!

Even if your car is not Bluetooth-equipped, there are options available to make your mobile device hands-free.

You can use a Bluetooth headset, which syncs to your phone and can be worn around your ear.

Bluetooth-enabled speakerphones are another option. They communicate with your phone and can be clipped to your car’s sun visor.

You can even buy mounting devices for your car’s dashboard, windshield or console.

All of these products are reasonably inexpensive and can be found at any electronics store or online.

You CAN stay connected but keep your hands on the wheel!

All of these hands-free options are acceptable as long as they can be activated by a voice command or single-button touch.

P.S. …there’s an app for that

One-touch dialing and voice-command features are built into many phones.

Phones that do not come equipped with such features but are Internet-based can download one-touch dialing or voice-command apps from their app store.

So obey the law.

Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel

And Talk Hands-Free in 2014.