Cell Phones and Driving
Date of Issue: November 16, 2005Hazard Summary
Cellular phones can be valuable tools for highway safety. However, the value lies in their availability to rapidly report an accident, bad driving or other problem situation. Any driver's first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. Research has shown that the operation of a cellular phone while driving creates an extra risk. The extra risk comes not only from the distraction of having to think about the conversation, but also from handling or looking at the phone.
The additional risk of using a hand-held cellular phone while driving has prompted many countries to ban their use. Many of the states in the United Sates are debating the issue or have implemented partial bans. Newfoundland is the only Province to have banned hand-held cell phone use while driving (List of countries and states).
Although Nova Scotia has no specific penalties related to cell phone use while driving, drivers should be aware that any collision or dangerous driving resulting from the use of a phone can result in charges under a number of laws including: those related to dangerous driving, careless driving and criminal negligence causing death or injury (Transport Canada, Road Safety).
Suggested Alternatives
As noted earlier, a driver's first responsibility must be the safe operation of the vehicle. If a cell phone is needed for work then a hands-free model would be better than a regular hand-held cell phone. When using a hands-free model, it should be prepared before any trip begins. Trying to find components, putting on a headset or changing settings while driving is risky.
Additional Tips
- Place calls when you are not moving. Pull over and stop.
- Keep calls short. Let the person you are speaking with know you are driving.
- If there's a passenger in the vehicle ask them to handle the phone.
- Use voice mail. Respond to a call at a safer time.
- Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
- Avoid stressful, emotional or important conversations.
- Do not write or take notes while driving and talking on the phone.
- Drive defensively, be prepared for other motorists or poor driving conditions.
Ultimately it is your decision on when and how to use a cell phone responsibly and safely.
Some additional information links
- Canada Safety Council: Safe Driving - It's Your Call
- National Safety Council: Cell Phone Safety
- PC World: Cell Phone Safety
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