NLIS 4
March 31, 2003
(Government Services and Lands)

 

The following statement was issued today by George Sweeney, Minister of Government Services and Lands. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Bill banning use of hand-held cell phones while driving takes effect

I rise in this House today to inform colleagues about an important initiative which will improve safety on roads in the province.

During the fall 2002 sitting, the House passed Bill 15, an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act which bans the use of hand-held cellular phones while driving. I am pleased to inform the House that this bill becomes law tomorrow, April 1.

This initiative came about as a result of several factors. The Department of Government Services and Lands had been approached by several safety organizations and concerned citizens who were in favor of a ban. Following the initial inquiries, our officials began researching the need for regulation.

As information and research was gathered, it became more apparent that the use of hand-held cellular phones while driving was unsafe. One particular study in the United Kingdom compared the use of a cell phone while driving to driving after consuming enough alcohol to be considered impaired.

Research in this province gave government a clear indication of the will of the people. A survey commissioned by the government showed that 95 per cent of people in the province favoured a ban against the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

One might ask why we did not proceed with a complete ban on use of cell phones while driving. Our survey data shows that 39 per cent of the public polled felt that it would be okay to use hands-free devices to use their cell phones while driving. As a government, we decided to move forward with a ban of hand-held phones only.

In fact, we are the first jurisdiction in Canada to pass such a law. Since this law was passed unanimously by all parties during the last sitting, government has received a great deal of public support and encouragement for our decision.

Safety organizations, the police, business leaders and cell phone companies have all come out in support of the ban.

I�d like to remind members of the house and members of the public the basics of this ban. Starting tomorrow, April 1, it is illegal in this province to use a hand-held cellular phone while driving on any public road. Enforcement agencies have the right to enforce this law as they do any other. Drivers found to be in violation can be ticketed $45-180 and receive four demerit points per violation.

As I conclude, I would like to say that we are confident that this initiative will ensure greater safety on our roads. My department has initiated a modest public relations campaign to help ensure public awareness and compliance. Brochures and road signs have also been erected at entry points of the province so that visitors can also be aware of our new law.

Safer driving can only provide better accident and insurance claim numbers. Drivers should be aware that driving while using a cell phone is not safe, even when using a hands-free device. I encourage all cell phone users to practice safe cellular, find alternatives to using the phone while driving. If a cell phone is used with a hands-free device, please ensure that safe driving comes first.

I am proud to say that this province has led the country with a law promoting responsible cell phone use and reducing unsafe driving.

2003 03 31                                    2:05 p.m. 


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