[MotherBear]

Kiwis just can't help texting and driving
10 November 2006

The day after a coroner warned against the dangers of texting while behind the wheel, Wellington motorists were happily tapping away on their phones.

The Dominion Post spotted six drivers sending text messages, and another six talking, during a 30-minute period at a busy Wellington city intersection.

Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven has called for a ban on the use of handheld cellphones while driving, after the Levin coroner heard how Andrew Hicks crashed and died in Foxton, minutes after a series of text message were received, and one sent, on his phone.

Text messaging and cellphone use was a rapidly rising factor in car crashes, police told the inquest.

It was no surprise the newspaper found so many motorists flouting warnings about the dangers of using phones while driving, acting road policing manager John McClelland said. "I can't understand people trying to send a text – nothing is that important that you can't pull over."

Drivers could be charged if they drove carelessly while talking or texting. Any plans to ban cellphone use in vehicles should be carefully examined, Mr McClelland said.

A Land Transport New Zealand spokesman said drivers should not text or talk, even when stopped at traffic lights. "When you are driving your concentration should be focused on the task of driving."

Cellphones or communication devices were involved in seven of the 27 fatal crashes last year in which driver distraction was a factor, Transport Ministry figures show.

- The Dominion Post