LAist relies on your reader support, not paywalls.
Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today.
Maria Shriver Apologizes About Breaking Cell Phone Driving Law
"Breaking News" photo courtesy of TMZ
After being caught not once, not twice, but thrice, California's First Lady Maria Shriver apologized today for breaking the cell phone while driving law. Her brief statement:
I’m sorry. I will be donating my favorite old cell phone to my Women’s Conference partner Verizon through their HopeLine program that helps domestic violence shelters. I invite anyone else who wants to recycle their old phone to join me. That’s my version of swift action with a higher purpose.
After TMZ posted about her criminal behavior, hubby Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger twittered that he would take "swift action" in a message to Harvey Levin. After that, Shriver was caught again driving with a cell phone to her ear.
California law states drivers can only use a hands-free device. A recent federal government report stated that nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 as a result of distracted driving. A field study last week by a KCET reporter found that driving drunk and cell phone driving were equally bad (and texting was the most dangerous activity of all).