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Cellphone use faces road ban
Drivers caught will pay $167 fine
Cellular phone users who insist on talking while driving could be on the hook for significant fines.
The BC government has announced a crackdown on cellphone use while behind the wheel and Powell River’s RCMP plan on enforcing the legislative changes.
“Powell River RCMP are encouraging drivers to stop using their handheld devices now while they have a chance to get used to the idea because when the law comes into effect on January 1, 2010, police will use this new tool and will issue violation tickets to offenders in an effort to encourage all to continue to develop safe driving habits,” said Constable Kerri Chard.
Legislative changes will prevent the use of handheld cellphones, portable electronic devices and text messaging while driving, Solicitor General Kash Heed said.
“We’re taking action because British Columbians have made it clear they support stronger restrictions on cellphones and other devices that take a driver’s hands off the wheel and their eyes from the road,” said Heed. “Simply put, you cannot talk, type or dial on any hand-held device while driving.”
Changes to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) that take effect in the new year will permit only hands-free cellphones and devices that require one touch to activate. Drivers in the graduated licensing program (GLP) will not be permitted to use hands-free phones in addition to other prohibited activity.
A new fine in the amount of $167 will begin to be levied on February 1, 2010. If drivers are caught texting or emailing, they will receive an additional three penalty points. Further, drivers in the GLP will receive the $167 fine and three penalty points for any violation of this legislation.
“As physicians, we often see the consequences of those injured in a car crash because a distracted driver was using a cellphone,” said Dr. Brian Brodie, president of the BC Medical Association. “This is preventative legislation that focuses on being responsible with new technology in a way that doesn’t put people’s lives at risk.”
According to independent research and studies, cellphone use while driving is the number one cause of distracted driving. On average, about 117 people die on the road each year in BC and 1,400 are sent to hospital because someone was not paying attention behind the wheel.
The BC government has announced a crackdown on cellphone use while behind the wheel and Powell River’s RCMP plan on enforcing the legislative changes.
“Powell River RCMP are encouraging drivers to stop using their handheld devices now while they have a chance to get used to the idea because when the law comes into effect on January 1, 2010, police will use this new tool and will issue violation tickets to offenders in an effort to encourage all to continue to develop safe driving habits,” said Constable Kerri Chard.
Legislative changes will prevent the use of handheld cellphones, portable electronic devices and text messaging while driving, Solicitor General Kash Heed said.
“We’re taking action because British Columbians have made it clear they support stronger restrictions on cellphones and other devices that take a driver’s hands off the wheel and their eyes from the road,” said Heed. “Simply put, you cannot talk, type or dial on any hand-held device while driving.”
Changes to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) that take effect in the new year will permit only hands-free cellphones and devices that require one touch to activate. Drivers in the graduated licensing program (GLP) will not be permitted to use hands-free phones in addition to other prohibited activity.
A new fine in the amount of $167 will begin to be levied on February 1, 2010. If drivers are caught texting or emailing, they will receive an additional three penalty points. Further, drivers in the GLP will receive the $167 fine and three penalty points for any violation of this legislation.
“As physicians, we often see the consequences of those injured in a car crash because a distracted driver was using a cellphone,” said Dr. Brian Brodie, president of the BC Medical Association. “This is preventative legislation that focuses on being responsible with new technology in a way that doesn’t put people’s lives at risk.”
According to independent research and studies, cellphone use while driving is the number one cause of distracted driving. On average, about 117 people die on the road each year in BC and 1,400 are sent to hospital because someone was not paying attention behind the wheel.
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neverpearl wrote on Nov 18, 2009 6:32 PM: