Legislative Leverage
As the nation gears up for Independence Day, drivers in California and Washington are beginning to declare independence from their hand-held cellphones (at least while they are behind the wheel, according to new legislation that goes into effect today). California and Washington join a growing list of states nationwide that are cracking down on drivers who take their hands off the wheel to hold a cell by enacting “hands-free” laws. With these new laws, drivers must weigh their options. They can a) continue using mobile phones at the risk of getting a ticket, b) stop talking on the phone altogether while driving, or c) purchase a Bluetooth headset that allows them to talk and have both hands on the wheel.
For our client, Jabra, which makes Bluetooth headsets, option C has presented a clear opportunity. In preparation for the new legislation, we have been diligently reaching out to media in these markets to inform them of the legal and safety issues at hand, and also to let them know what Bluetooth options are available to drivers. According to a study, discussed in this MSNBC Article, 300 lives will be saved in California alone with the hands-free driving laws, indicating the switch to headsets in the car may make driving safer. [Read more →]

