Maple Grove Store Shares Hands-Free Options Before Aug. 1 Law
The hands-free law that makes it illegal to hold a phone while driving goes into effect Aug. 1. The only exception is an emergency. Many people are preparing by getting car accessories to help them follow the law.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in people understanding that the law is coming and making sure that they abide by the law,” said Brad Swenson, general manager of Device Pitstop in Maple Grove.
Swenson says products like a cellphone stand that suctions to your windshield have become increasingly popular purchases. It allows you to see your GPS mapping apps without having to hold your phone. If you don’t want it on you windshield there are other models that can attach to a vent on your car instead.
And while most newer vehicles already have Bluetooth capabilities, if you want to retrofit an older car with the technology, you can do that as well. Swenson pointed out a small Bluetooth product that clips to your visor and will pair with your smartphone. There’s also the option of using headphones.
“Remember with headphones you can only have one in at a time while you’re driving,” said Swenson.
There are Bluetooth options for headphones which can range in price or you can have a wired pair. Regardless of how you decide to abide by the new hands-free law, it’s important to remember that even making your device hands-free doesn’t mean it’s distraction free.
