Cell phone ban
As I’m sure you’ve heard, last month the Ontario government introduced legislation that, if passed, will force drivers to use hands-free, voice-activated equipment when making calls on their cell phones. This bill would also place a ban on text messaging and e-mailing while driving. Using hand-held GPSs would also be included in this ban. Huge fines of up to $1000 have been bandied about if this law is not respected, as well as up to six demerit points. All of these details will of course be ironed out over the next few months when this bill is expected to become law.
Most of us acknowledge that using a cell phone while driving is a dangerous distraction. I know when I am driving and someone cuts me off or they are driving very slowing or making lane changes without signalling, I often mutter under my breath “cell phone” and I am usually right. There they are, chatting away. Yet, at the same time, I have been guilty of talking on my cell when driving. I don’t chat per se, but I do make quick “maintenance” calls to my daughter to see what she wants for supper. I know, I know - I’m just as guilty as everyone else.
Some claim that the ban will be very hard to enforce, but when the law comes into effect, I will never use my cell while driving. I respect the law and I do believe that a lot of drivers feel the same way. Just knowing that a law exists that restricts cell phone use when driving will be enough to stop many, whether they think they will be caught or not.
This also has me thinking about other distractions as well. I am notorious for taking my dog with me in the car. I do tether him at times, but if I’m just running the odd errand in the neighbourhood I have been negligent in that regard. Even though he usually stays in the passenger seat there have been times when he has leapt across my chest to bark at a dog he has spotted out my window. This is very, very dangerous.
So the proposed cell phone ban is forcing me to reassess exactly what it is I do while I am supposed to be driving. I am going to try and be generally more aware of the distractions. It’s not just my cell phone but also my dog, my pager, my GPS, my teenage daughter cranking the radio up to a deafening volume; rooting around in my purse searching for Blistex; trying to wash a tomato stain off my shirt from the sandwich I was just eating — all of this while driving!! I could go on!! The cell phone is simply scratching the surface of all I do behind the wheel besides doing the one and only thing I should be concentrating on — driving my car.
So yes, I too am a danger with or without a cell phone. But the ban has got me thinking … and for my own safety and the safety of others, I plan on changing my ways. Hopefully it will get others thinking as well.
3 Responses to “ Cell phone ban ”
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November 8th, 2008 at 11:20 am
The government has gone too far, again. There are certain situations where cell phone use is not only convenient, but may save a lot of drivers time, aggravation, and even injuries. I reported a traffic-blocking accident on my cell to 680 News that they weren’t aware of on the 400 Hwy., to see if it would save other motorists time. I’ve also had to keep my cell phone on during a recent family member’s critical illness, in case of being needed at home in an emergency. A cell phone is a tool, if used properly. Of course, not too socialize while you should be concentrating on the road. We’ll hear a report or 2 about someone who could, or should, have been contacted where their cell phone would have made a difference, and then maybe the geniuses in Queen’s Park will re-examine the issue from a more balanced and sensible perspective.
November 20th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
You second-last paragraph pretty much sums it up. Bad drivers are bad drivers, and banning cell phones just so the bad drivers who can’t walk and chew gum isn’t going to solve the problem.
Besides, there’s already a law on the books to cover doing stupid stuff behind the wheel causing you to drive erratically. Its called Careless Driving. And its not limited to just cell phones.
November 26th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I would like to make a comment on the cell phone ban for drivers. I find there are many pedestrians, especially young people, who cross the street while speaking on their cell phone and do not even look to see if any traffic is coming in there direction. This is very dangerous and it is not fair that only drivers are being blamed for accidents. I feel pedestrians who cross the street while speaking on their cell phone and do not bother to take the time to look either way because they are too busy talking should be getting a fine as well.