Proposed cellphone ban for drivers

[MotherBear]

Govt proposes cellphone ban for drivers
Updated 12:15PM Wednesday June 11, 2008

A proposed ban on drivers using hand-held cellphones has been announced by the Government in a bid to reduce road accidents.

The proposed amendment to the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 is scheduled to be released for public consultation in August and planned to come into effect on July 1 2009.

Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven said drivers would still be able to use hands-free phones and two-way radio under the proposed ban.

An exception would also be made for motorists calling 111 when it was "unsafe or impractical to pull over to make a call" in a genuine emergency.

Though Mr Duynhoven has previously advocated a ban, Cabinet has resisted it on the grounds that other driving distractions could be equally fatal.

More here.

[nickydwuk]

This is in force in the UK and is enforced with an on-the-spot fine of £60 (I think) and points on your licence but it still doesn't stop people from doing it.

[ebianca]

It will never stop people from doing it completely as it cannot possibly be 'policed' enough to catch the people doing it adn even more so in the UK.

[kiaora!!]

I made the most expensive phonecall of my life in oz a couple of years ago.. $250 I ve actually stopped talking on the phone while I drive after that

but I think if they ban it then they should ban the hands free as well!
if the arguement is that u r using your hands for it then they ll have to stop people from smoking in the car too
people dont concentrate while they are on the phone, they have made tests and it s pretty much the same as driving absolutely drunk!

No talking on the phone whatsoever I say :)

[Welshgirl]

Originally Posted by kiaora!!

I made the most expensive phonecall of my life in oz a couple of years ago.. $250

Who or where did you phone, Kazakhstan during peak hours?????? Either that on you were on the phone for a few days!! Man, you must have had the shock of your life when you saw your itemised bill

Anyway, not sure I agree with banning hands-free - surely that's just the same as talking to someone next to you in the passenger seat I'm definitely up for banning hand-held mobiles though, the number of people I've encountered weaving all over the road while they're talking on their phone is ridiculous

[MotherBear]

Originally Posted by kiaora!!

I made the most expensive phonecall of my life in oz a couple of years ago.. $250

Maybe Simone means that the $250 was the fine she got for using her phone?

[Welshgirl]

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhh I see

Just ignore me then

[selchie]

In all fairness, even talking to someone next to you can be distracting. I try not to talk too much in "tricky" situations with pedestrians & other cars. But a few weeks ago I ran a stop sign while answering a question. My brain turned inward, and driving went on autopilot. I even knew the sign was there.

Banning hand-held devices can help, but if people would just act sensibly there would be no reason to legislate this sort of thing. One woman mentioned folding clothes while driving on the freeway, and couldn't understand how she got in an accident or why the police officer scolded her.