Ban on driving distractions passes final reading

Increased reliance on cell phones has led to a rise in the number of people who use the devices while driving. There are two primary dangers associated with driving and cell phone use, including text messaging. First, drivers must take their eyes off the road while dialling. Second, people can become so absorbed in their conversations that their ability to concentrate on the act of driving is severely impaired, jeopardizing the safety of vehicle occupants and pedestrians. Since the first law was passed in Newfoundland in 2003 banning hand-helds such as cell phone use while driving, there has been debate as to the exact nature and degree of hazard. Statistics from provinces which have institutionalized the policy have shown the effect of the new fine with Nova Scotian police handing out over 2000 tickets last year. The bill takes a critical step in attempting to reduce any potential dangers which are generated from people using handhelds in the car. However many critics state the new fine fails to address a very ambiguous aspect of driving with cell phones. Many argue that it isn’t necessarily the cell phone which is causing the distraction while driving but the conversation itself so “hands-free” Bluetooth should be banned too; what they fail to comprehend is that this is only a progressive step in helping to ensure safety. Conversation will always remain a potential distraction when two or more people are in the same vehicle but removing handhelds such as cellphones, handheld GPS, Mp3 players which enable people to remove their hands and attention from the wheel of their car must be prohibited to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Though many people may feel insulted by a bill which connotes that they are incapable of doing two things at once, using a handheld and driving, the latter is unquestionably more important than the first in 99.9% of all circumstances and therefore should receive the utmost attention to eliminate unnecessary death and damages.