- Which level of government is responsible for laws dealing with cellular phones?
Use of cell phones by drivers comes under provincial and territorial regulation.
All levels of government are concerned about the increased risk posed by the use of cellular phones while driving. A number of provincial and territorial governments have conducted research, and most or all are monitoring the situation. Transport Canada is conducting research on the impact of cellular phones on driving as well as monitoring public attitudes. Recent surveys suggest that many drivers recognize the increased risk associated with using cellular phones while driving and that a large proportion of the public supports some restriction on their use. Ultimately, it will take a combination of public awareness, a shift in drivers' attitudes and behaviour, and possibly legislation to reduce the risk associated with cell phone use while driving.
- Don't cell phones actually contribute to highway safety?
Cell phones can be a valuable tool for highway safety. They enable you to rapidly report collisions, bad driving and other problem situations. However, the value lies in having the phone available in the car, not in having the phone turned on. The safety feature comes from the ability to make an outgoing call in an emergency. When reporting an emergency situation, it's best to pull over so that your vehicle isn't posing a risk to others and so that you can adequately report the details and answer any questions. This is much more difficult to do while navigating a vehicle through traffic. When using the phone for non-emergency situations - to report that you're running late, for example - it's often possible to pull over briefly or to make the call when stopped at a traffic light. But it's best to let a passenger make the call, so you can concentrate on driving.
- Is using a cell phone more dangerous than other distractions such as adjusting the radio, eating a snack or other things drivers do?
The driver's first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. A driver may be charged if erratic driving or a collision results from inattention, regardless of what else may be going on. Research indicates that cellular phones do create an extra risk. The extra risk results from the distraction of thinking about the conversation, not only the distraction of physically handling or looking at the device. Research also suggests that stressful, emotional or important conversations are even more distracting.
- Is using a cellular phone while driving illegal anywhere in Canada?
As of April 1st 2003, it is illegal in Newfoundland and Labrador to use a hand-held cellular phone while driving. Currently no other Canadian jurisdictions ban the use of cell phones while driving, although some jurisdictions are considering legislation.
A driver who causes a collision by using a cellular phone or who is observed driving unsafely while using the device could be charged under a number of other provincial, territorial or federal laws including, but not limited to, those related to dangerous driving, careless driving and criminal negligence causing death or injury.
- Are hands-free devices safer?
Hands-free phones do free you from having to physically operate the phone, but they don't reduce your need to think about the conversation, which is also distracting. Research suggests that there is an increased risk of collision while using a cellular phone, even when it is in hands-free mode. It's still better to pull over, make your call and then resume driving when the call is finished.
When using the phone in hands-free mode, you should prepare the phone and all equipment before your trip begins. Trying to find components, putting on a headset or changing the settings on the phone while driving increase the danger.
- If I use a cellular phone, what can I do to become a safer driver?
It's simple: don't use a cellular phone while driving. If a call is important enough, it deserves your full attention!
To make or receive calls:
- Pull over and stop;
- Allow a passenger to operate the phone;
- Use voice mail and respond to the call at a safer time; or
- Let someone else drive, freeing you up to make or receive calls.
Don't forget these driving safety rules:
- Wear your seat belt;
- Don't drive aggressively;
- Don't drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and
- Follow these simple tips for the safe use of cell phones.
