Dec 01, 2008 in News Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance: Ban on Use of Cell Phones While Driving

Ontario is proposing a ban on the use of hand-held devices to talk, text or e-mail while driving. Under a bill to be introduced this afternoon, police would be able to charge drivers who use a hand-held cell phone, send email or text messages, or use other hand-held electronic devices while driving. The use of hands-free devices would be permitted. Emergency calls, such as 911, would not be affected. Transport Canada estimates that driver distraction is a contributing factor in about 20 per cent of all collisions. Drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash than a driver who is focused on the road. "We know these new technologies have created some tremendous conveniences, but we know something else: deep down, we all know it is dangerous to use them while driving," said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley ). "Distracted driving is one of today's most serious road safety issues," said Insurance Bureau of Canada (http://www.ibc.ca/) Ontario Vice-President, Don Forgeron. "With high-tech distractions like cell phones and MP3 players becoming increasingly common, it's getting harder for drivers to focus on the task of driving."

• Under the proposed legislation, drivers who continue to text, type, email, dial, or chat using a prohibited hand-held device could face fines of up to $500.
• The proposed legislation would bring Ontario in line with similar laws in Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, several U.S.states and about 50 countries worldwide.

Source: TORONTO, Oct. 28 /CNW/