In Foster City The Wrong Kind Of Talk Isn't Cheap

Foster City motorists may be watching the speedometer a bit closer, but when it comes to hands-fee gabbing on their cell phones talk is becoming more expensive.

According to statistics compiled by the Foster City Police Department, the number of citations issued for cell phone violations has jumped almost 75 percent during the past 12 months. Between August 2009 and August 2010 police issued 446 tickets compared to 256 during the same period in 2008-2009 . At the same time speeding tickets dropped  slightly, from 255 to 213.

Enacted in July 2008, the current cell phone law prohibits drivers from using a cellular phone while driving unless a hands-free is utilized. In January 2009, electronic text messaging while driving was banned as well.

Capt. Jon Froomin of the Foster City Police Department said,  "The increase in cell phone citations is the result of directed efforts to curb this violation."

While enforcement of the cell phone law has increased across the Bay Area, FCPD has recently taken matters into their own hands.

"When the law first took effect, there was a statewide effort.  Since then, we have directed our own efforts," Froomin said.

Neighboring cities have also seen an increase in cell phone violations. In San Carlos the number of tickets increased to 1121 this past year from 560 over the same period in 2008-2009, and in Belmont citations jumped to 656 from 477.

In San Mateo the number of violations was virtually unchanged, with 785 citations this year compared to  804 last year.

Statistics prove that discouraging drivers from talking on their cell phones could help reduce accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  estimates that talking on a cell phone while driving increases the risk of an accident by 300 percent.

Overall, Foster City residents appear happy about the increased cell phone enforcement.

"It's the right thing.  It's very dangerous to drive and talk on the cell phone," says Ruby Li. "It is distracting to have one hand on the phone."

"This is one of the few laws that the police must strictly enforce," said Dan, another resident who would only give his first name. "People are driving this 5,000 pound piece of metal and are easily distracted by cell phones.  When I get a call, I pull off the road and then I start talking. People are too casual about the responsibility of driving cars."

Jenny Mirkin agrees.  "It's a good idea because it's dangerous," she said.

Although the base fine for a first offense is $20 with subsequent violations priced at $50, local costs and program fees make the actual fine much higher. And it may not stop there. A bill approved by the state senta and currently awaiting action by the Assembly would increase penalties to $50 for first offenders and $100 for subsequent violations and treat cell phone tickets as moving violations, with offenders receiving one point on their driving record.

Because fines collected for traffic violations go to the state's general fund, some citizens are concerned the recent increase in citations is simply a means of collecting additional revenue for government coffers.

Froomin wants that fear laid to rest. 

"Our level of enforcement action is not tied in any way to the budget situation being addressed," he said. "There are various reasons for an increase in the number of citations issued, but I can assure you none of those have to do with the budget."