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Mobile Calling on the Move

A recent change in the technology market in the last couple of months is the introduction of a new law banning the use of mobile phones while driving.

The law, an amendment to the existing Road User rules which will be enforced from 1st November 2009, bans the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, as well as a number of other changes. The ban includes calling, texting or any other mobile use.

So what can I do?

If you need to make phone calls while driving you will need to invest in a 'hands-free' calling kit.
The laws exempts drivers who use one of the following kits:
•    A wired earpiece that allows the driver to make and receive calls without handling the phone
•    A wireless hands free kit that offers the same features.

If you install a secure mobile mounting point in your car, you will also be allowed to handle the phone briefly and infrequently, making a phone mount well worth investing in.

What does it cost?

You may have received a wired earpiece and microphone when you purchased you phone. You can use that with your mobile provided you are not handling the phone to make or answer calls. A new wired headset should start at around $20 depending on your model.

You can also purchase a wired car kit for most mobiles that plugs into your stereo and may include a microphone, so that you can use your car's stereo to hear your caller.

There are several kinds of wireless headsets depending on your needs:
•    Wireless Earpiece - This is a device that sits in your ear and connects to your phone via bluetooth. It will let you answer your phone without touching the phone, and the better models also allow you to use 'voice activated dialing' to simply say the name of the person you want to call, and your phone will call them. Starting at around $50
•    Wireless Hands-Free kit - This is a device which sits on your sun visor or is mounted below the windscreen, and would include the same features as an earpiece.
Starting at around $200

Mounting your mobile

Finally, you should seriously consider installing a phone mounting point into your car. This will hold your phone securely in one place, making it easier to connect other hands-free devices to it, as well as allowing you to make calls provided you only handle the phone briefly. Starting from around $20, there are many kinds of mounting kits.

Some will need to be screwed or bolted onto your dashboard while others use a suction cup or sticky pads to stick to your dash or windscreen.

You should make sure you purchase a mount that fits your mobile snugly and has the appropriate holes if you need to connect your headset or car charger.

Links:
•    For more info on the new laws, check out the LTSA Website: www.landtransport.govt.nz/rules/q-and-a/
•    BlueAnt - Hands-free
www.myblueant.com
•    Parrot - Hands-free:
www.parrotminikit.com