Did the CHP Catch You on Your Cell?

I confess. I have used my cell phone while driving. And yes, I've been caught. Twice.

It was humiliating enough (and expensive enough) that I think I am reformed. Pretty much. If I could just fit those seemingly oversized earbuds into my  small ears a little better. Or find a Bluetooth that didn't get lost or lose its charge or randomly stop working.

What about you? Have you stopped using your cell while driving as a result of the new law? If so, is it the fear of getting caught or do you genuinely think it's safer to put the Blackberry down?

If you haven't yet, today would be a good day to start. The CHP and local police are worked yesterday  to pull over as many people as possible who are sending text messages or talking without a hands-free device, CHP Sgt. Trent Cross said.

"We want to be optimistic and we hope there are fewer violators than last time, but we can't predict these things," Cross said. Authorities issued more than 900 citations to violators of the cell phone law during the first part the crackdown on Aug. 10, Cross said.

Drivers may be pulled over for inappropriate use of cell phones at any time, Cross said. This includes talking on a cell phone or sending text messages, but Cross said motorists could be stopped simply for looking at a cell phone while holding it. 

So, get your excuses ready because today might just be your unlucky day.

Bay City News contributed to this report.