Put Down That Phone
Government makes good on promise to enact cell phone ban while driving
Officials say research shows you're 23 times more likely to get in a car crash while texting and driving. That's why the government has made good on it's throne speech promise and introduced a bill banning it.
And it draws a hard line for motorists- especially new drivers. The law should come into effect January 1st, banning any kind of texting or talking on a handheld while driving. You'll still be able to use a hands-free headset- unless you're in the graduated driving program.
SGI Minister June Draude says those inexperienced drivers will be banned altogether from using phones while behind the wheel. She says they need to first learn how to react to road dangers. The fine is $280.00 if you're caught, plus points off your licence.
There are some exceptions to the law. Police and emergency responders can still use their phones, and 9-1-1 calls are permitted in an emergency. You can also make a call if you've pulled over to the side of the road.
Comments
I am too IMPORTANT!!
I can't believe that the government can infringe on my right to discuss what I plan on doing tonight, or what song I am currently listening to, or how I like the new boy in my chem class, while I drive my mom's car.
I am too damn important!!! When my cell rings I have to answer it, I could be my kids telling me that they have been waiting 5 whole minutes as I am driving to pick them up.
Hey I gotta answer my cell it could be my best buddy at the pub reminding me that their is a spot check at the end of the block I should probably avoid.
Ya I don't even own a cell phone so I don't even get the whole driving and talking... and texting just defies my imagination.
HEE!
HEE!
COME ON PEOPLE
While I agree mainly how dangerous texting can be, I'm not sure we need laws to ban everything we do. There are so many distractions while driving how do we ban them all. The radio can be distracting, especially while listening to the football game. Whay about screeming, fighting kids in the back seat. Do we ban kids from vehicles. Come on people, THINK ABOUT IT!!!
cell-phones banned
I dont own a cell phone and yes there are many ignorant drives out there on their cell phones who may cause accidents.The closest i came to having an accident with some one being distracted in a car was ,yes a police officer looking at his computer in the car and barely missed side swiping me.It seems to me the the powers that be, seem to think all the people have suddenly gone so stupid they cant drink coffee,or eat a doughnut or chow down a hamburger safely while driving.Its a wonder that any of us is still alive.Lets call what it ewally is its just another TAX on us lowly peasants, no more no less.As we see most of freedoms being eroded by laws and laws on top of laws we are slowly but surely headed towwards a police state where any thing you do will require a fine and no valid reason for the police to stop us and search then write yo a ticket, basicaly send you another tax bill.And where is the media in all this,they are bending over backwards trying to validate all this intrusion in to peoples lives.Try get apolice car over to house which has been broken into-lucky if they get there in 4 to 5 hours or even if they show up at all. Sure plug up the courts with these trival matters and let real criminals go.Isnt that what we are doing now? Governments should learn how to run the (province) or (country) .Please leave us alone already. Just to think we used to laugh at the soviet union a few years ago about tyrany--hmmm are we headed in that direction now-?You tell me!!
As a cyclist this news makes
As a cyclist this news makes me a happy man! I have heard the roar of the warning strip on the side of the Trans Canada as a car (usually driven by a young female) is veering off the road toward my postion.
And the driver never fails to have the phone in hand or texting while driving with her knees.
Seriously, I am going to be killed by one of these idiots who will get no more than a traffic ticket? Who will feed my kids?
I have heard some say that cyclists should not ride on the shoulder of the road as its very dangerous. I can accept certain dangers, but not a blatant regard for another persons safety.
I don't use my cell phone
I don't use my cell phone while driving so this law is fine with me, however, I don't agree that policemen and such can still use their cell phones. all this vehicles are equipped with radios and that's what should be used.
thats just my opionion.
vague
Without reading the act, I can already see that it is going to be vague in it's description and a simple challenge may put the brakes on it.
Example: all phones (that I know of anyway), already have handsfree built in, at least any that I have owned. My Blackberry has a speakerphone button, so does the law say I can simply press that and put the phone down on the console?
Plus, what's the difference? You are still allowed to talk on your cell, that is the largest part of the distraction. Will I be allowed to put a banana up to my ear and pretend I am talking to someone? Same physical thing if you ask me, so what's the difference? Is there a law that says we can't drive with one hand? Not that I'm aware of, in fact quite the opposite, you are allowed if you happen to have that particular disability.
So, I'm not really seeing the difference here, nor the benefits of what they are trying to accomplish. I can understand a total ban on use of cells, that would make more sense, but forcing the use of hands free?
I see success in other provinces, but to me, proof will be in the pudding.
Wow $280 seems ridiculously
Wow $280 seems ridiculously high. Where did they come up with that amount???
I guess I'll have to watch
I guess I'll have to watch out for cops when I'm on my cell now cause i aint gonna change. Mind you I don't text but I can talk fine and drive at the same time.
don't forget...
to ban cup holders...radios...climate controls as well... well they haven't mentioned anything about cameras yet and I'll be the first one to snap that picutre of a police officer on his/her phone talking and driving, I see it ALL the time, they better comply as well.
What about cab drivers and CBs? or truckers/courier services...if they indicated that the 'CB' type press and talk phones are also included in this ban is it extended by proxy to CBs? what about walkie talkies? or those 2-way raidios that people use??
..too many open 'holes' on this express push of legislation only to appease some voters...election anyone...???
Follow Ontario like a puppy
I guess Brad Wall's government must like to follow the Ontario way of doing things - more laws, rules and fines makes the world such a better place.
And what is with banning cell phone use by our younger drivers in cars completely? I feel sorry for the young drivers that rely on their cell phones to make a few dollars in the delivery business. Give your head a shake, at least let them use hands-free!