NLIS 6
February 7, 2002
(Government Services and Lands)

 

Minister Noel welcomes federal justice minister�s concern about cell phones and driving

Minister Walter Noel said today he is pleased to see the federal justice minister is taking a look at doing something about the use of cell phones by drivers. "We have been considering the advisability of legislating against the use of cell phones while driving. Evidence and studies indicate it is a serious problem. While no action has been taken by Canadian jurisdictions to date, such use has been outlawed in other countries. Last December the State of New York banned hand held phones."

Justice Minister Cauchon is looking into the question of jurisdiction. The federal government has responsibility for criminal law while the provinces are responsible for non-criminal highway legislation. Transport Canada has looked into the issue and while conducting and funding studies indicating there is a problem, the department does not appear to have responsibility for relevant legislation.

Minister Noel stated: "While I believe it would be preferable for Canada to have a consistent policy across the country on cell phone use while driving, our government will act alone if we are convinced it is justified."

Minister Noel discussed this matter with his colleagues at last summer�s annual Atlantic Transportation Ministers' Conference held in St. John's. All ministers at that conference expressed concern and are now reviewing options. The matter was also on the agenda for the Federal/Provincial Transportation Ministers� Meeting held September 20 in Halifax.

Early in 2001, Minister Noel suggested citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador indicate their views regarding the use of cell phones while driving. The information received by the minister in writing, by e-mail, and anecdotally clearly reflected the sentiments identified in a survey conducted last September.

That survey concluded that 95 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians believe cell phone use by vehicle drivers is either a serious or very serious distraction. Only five per cent believe that all types of cell phone use should be permitted while driving. Fifty-five per cent say the practice should be prohibited entirely, while 39 per cent feel hands free could be acceptable. While there appears to be strong support for prohibiting the use of hand held phones by drivers, while driving, many people appear to consider the use of hands free acceptable, in spite of studies indicating both to be equally dangerous.

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2002 02 07                          4:30 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement