In The News: Cell Phone Ban Means Safer Roads

Talking on Blackberrys or shuffling through iPods will have to take a backseat to driving, under Ontario’s new distracted drivers law.

The legislation, passed last week, prohibits the use of handheld cell phones and entertainment devices as well as other communication devices while driving.

"Cell phones, Blackberrys, and other devices that distract drivers attention are a serious threat to the safety of drivers on the roadway,” said Sergeant Steve MacDonald of the Halton Regional Police's District Response Unit.

"These new traffic laws are a welcome piece of legislation adding one more tool for our officers to improve road safety."

Drivers could face up to $500 in fines if they text, email, dial or talk on a hand held device once the legislation is put into effect this fall. In some cases, drivers can be charged under existing careless and dangerous driving laws if other drivers are placed at risk.

There are some acceptable methods to use cell phones and other devices while behind the wheel.
Drivers can use a cell phone with an earpiece, a headset or plugged into the vehicles sound system. They can place calls by using voice dialling.

A global positioning system is permitted when mounted to the dashboard or any other accessible place in the vehicle. A portable media player can be used when plugged into a vehicle's sound system.

According to Transport Canada, driver distraction is a contributing factor in about 20 per cent of all collisions and drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash.

“Accidents can cause substantial injury and they can cause a lot of damage to cars,” said Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. “If it is going to help make our highways a safer place, it’s got to be a great piece of legislation.”

In 2006, Kevin Flynn introduced a private member's bill that proposed the prohibition of handheld devices among novice drivers. He said that it may have started the ball rolling on this universal ban.
“It allowed organizations like the CAA to come forward and make their case,” said Flynn. “I think it took a lot of the emotion out of the debate and it allowed for some hard facts to be introduced and the evidence is overwhelmingly in support of the bill.”

The Ontario Medical Association commended the provincial government for championing the bill.
According to an OMA report released last September, a crash is four times more likely to occur if a cell phone has been used up to ten minutes prior to a collision.

"There are enough distractions inside and outside the car without drivers focusing on the myriad of communication devices," said MacDonald.

Drivers can still use their cell phones to make emergency calls to police, fire and emergency medical services.

For more information regarding Bill 118: Countering Distracted Driving and promoting Green Transportation Act, 2009, visit www.ontla.on.ca.