e-Press, Tri-State News Network

Hands Off --
California Zeros In On Cell Phones
CALIFORNIA -- Californians who want to drive and talk will have to do so with both hands on the wheel starting tomorrow morning. Cell phone usage must be hands-free. The new law will be enforced. Like seat belt usage, it also gives officers probable cause for other potential violations. Southern Californians especially are wedded to their cell phones while driving in long rush hour traffic. The law is NOT fair and equal either. It will require adults who talk on the phone while driving to use a hands-free device, but prohibits all teen drivers from using cell phone while driving in any form. There’s no doubt how the young crowd feels about that.
Now, the hands-free device makers like Motorola are going to have a great year as state laws kick in. Many cell phones are already sold with a wired “ear bud,” or a corded in-ear headset. By putting it to use, drivers are already in compliance with the new law without spending much extra money. Starting at about $20 - and ranging into the hundreds of dollars - drivers can opt for wireless Bluetooth headsets, speakerphones and built-in communications systems. Motorola has an interesting one that attaches to car visors and the driver communicates by tuning into an FM station -listening to the music until placing or receiving a call.
Candysse Miller, Executive Director of the Insurance Information Network of California. Says “Complying with the new law may be as simple as plugging in that headset you got when you purchased your phone.” IINC has a podcast that currently features examples of hands-free cell options available to drivers. The video can be viewed at www.iincspots.com.
Violation is a primary infraction: Drivers can be pulled over and cited if a law enforcement officer sees them holding a phone to their ear. Again, teen drivers cannot use a phone while driving at all, including for text messaging. Admittedly, the fine for driving while using a cell phone without a hands-free device is relatively cheap--$20 for a first offense, but jumps to $50 for a second offense. However, court costs can range from $76 to $190. Neither infraction will result in a point being added to a drivers’ record.
Most importantly, California’s laws are often looked at as a model for other states. Can Arizona and Nevada be far behind?

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ADOT Announces
Transportation Strategy
ARIZONA - On Friday, the State Transportation Board announced the adoption of the Statewide Transportation Investment Strategy, a comprehensive transportation improvement program for Arizona, as part of Arizona's long range transportation plan.
“The program ADOT presented to us clearly shows a mind shift...focusing squarely on sustainability, connecting growth and development with transportation, offering transportation options to our citizens and protecting our environment,” said State Transportation Board Chairman Si Schorr.
The $42.5-billion investment strategy was developed by ADOT and its planning partners. It allows ADOT to continue to work with local communities to prepare for growth, preserve quality of life and minimize impacts on the natural environment. The plan is available at www.azdot.gov.
Based on a list of “Critical Transportation Needs” that were submitted to Governor Janet Napolitano earlier this year, Friday's action "outlines a comprehensive investment strategy to reduce the time tax we now spend stuck in traffic, away from our homes and families,” said Napolitano. “It will guide how our state grows and reinforce regional, local and private investments.”
The proposal, which currently is not funded, would provide improvements to existing roads, build new roads, develop high-speed and commuter rail, expand transit services and create a special environmental conservation fund.

KRMC Receives
National Accolades
KINGMAN, AZ - Once again, Kingman Regional Medical Center (KRMC) has been recognized nationally for the value it provides to the community. Hospital officials say the medical center was recently listed as a “Five Star” hospital in the Community Value Index published by Cleverley Plus Associates in its State of the Hospital Industry 2008 Edition. The publication focuses on the U.S. acute care hospital industry and its list of “five-star” hospitals represents the top 20% of 2,939 acute care hospitals reviewed.
The Community Value Index is composed of nine measures that assess a hospital’s performance in the following areas:

- Financial viability and plant reinvestment

- Hospital cost structure

- Hospital charge structure

These measures are based on the premise that a hospital provides value to the community when it is financially viable, is appropriately reinvesting back into the facility, maintains a low cost structure, and has reasonable charges.

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