Noel says Ottawa and the provinces should consider banning cell phone use by drivers

Walter Noel, Minister of Government Services and Lands, believes all Canadian governments should consider legislating against the use of cell phones by drivers while driving. He has had the issue added to the agenda for the annual meeting of Canada�s Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety being held in Winnipeg, September 20. Newfoundland and Labrador was the first jurisdiction to introduce such legislation last April.

"Canadians want their governments to deal with this problem," Minister Noel said. "We hope to have our bill passed when the House of Assembly sits this fall. Cell phone use while driving is a dangerous practice which can be effectively prohibited to help prevent accidents, save lives, reduce injuries, and control insurance rates.

"Last February, federal Justice Minister Cauchon said a study demonstrated that cell phone use by drivers is dangerous, banning was worth considering, and Ottawa would look at it. I hope Transport Minister Collenette will indicate where the federal government now stands at our Winnepeg meeting."

Ninety-five per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians believe cell phone use by drivers is either a serious or very serious safety problem. According to an opinion poll commissioned by government, 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 is acceptable. A Leger Marketing poll indicated four out of five Canadians believe hand held use by drivers should be illegal.

Some 30 countries have implemented cell phone restrictions to date. The State of New York and 14 local jurisdictions throughout the US have enacted prohibitions. Many jurisdictions in Canada, the US and elsewhere are contemplating action. Britain has just begun a consultation process which could lead to the banning of hands free as well as hand held.

The Canadian Medical Association and the Newfoundland Medical Association support such a ban, as do many police representatives.

The Globe and Mail has supported Newfoundland�s action: "Driving while speaking on a cell phone is dangerous, and with more than 2,900 Canadians dead in a typical year�s traffic accidents, governments have a major stake in safety on the roads and highways. . . . Drivers are not very good at recognizing their limitations. Newfoundland has done us all a favour by insisting that they do so, as a matter of law. Other provinces should follow its lead."

The St. John�s Telegram said: "Public Safety clearly must be the overriding concern in this matter. This province has recognized it, and hopefully other provinces will, too."

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

2002 09 10                                     3:35 p.m.