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By Jorge Casuso

July 10 – If you didn’t put down that cell phone while driving last week, you may have been one of some 80 drivers cited by Santa Monica traffic cops during the first three days of a new statewide ban.

The citations issued by the Police Department’s traffic division don’t include tickets handed out by other officers since a State law kicked in July 1 that bans the use of hand-held cell phones, but allows drivers to use headsets, speakers or other hands-free devices.

“We hit the ground running on the first,” said Sgt. Larry Horn, who heads the department’s traffic division.

During the first three days of the ban there were anywhere from 5 to ten traffic officers on the streets of the 8.3-square-mile beachfront city looking for cell phone violators, Horn said.

“There were a few who said they didn’t know” about the law, “which amazed me,” Horn said.

The new law imposes a $20 fine ($93 with court costs) for a first violation and $50 for each subsequent violation ($201 with court costs). The new law bars drivers under 18 from using cell phones or any hands-free devices.

Motorists who ignore the law and cause an accident could face huge civil judgments, and even jail, if fatalities result, authorities said.

Although those who violate the law during a fatal car accident may not face a felony charge, using a hand-held cell phone could trigger a misdemeanor manslaughter charge that can carry as much as to a year in jail for each death.

“This isn’t the great answer that’s going to make the streets safe,” Horn said, “but cell phones are a distraction.”

In fact, several studies suggest that even drivers who use headsets, speakers or other hands-free devices may be just as distracted behind the wheel as those who hold a cell phone.

Some drivers become so tense or excited when they’re talking on the phone, they don’t realize they’re pressing down harder on the gas pedal, Horn said.