“I can’t talk right now…I’m driving” – The common trick to get out of talking to someone just became true. Yes from November 1st 2009 there is a new law taking effect which means you are no longer able to use a mobile phone while you’re driving.
So far, there has been a mixed reaction toward this topic. A majority of people believe that using a mobile phone while driving is no more dangerous to smoking or eating while driving. I agree with this, I thought that changing a compact disc or searching for your lipstick in your handbag was far more of a distraction. But not according to our Transport Minister.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says that driver distraction - particularly through the use of cellphones - is a real issue on our roads.
"There are a lot of other distractions while driving but handheld mobile phone use has grown to become a significant problem. The reality is we need to send a strong signal to all road users that it's not on," says Joyce. http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/s-official-no-driving-and-dialling-2913600
If you get caught breaking the law you will instantly lose 20 demerit points and have to pay a fine of $80.00. So if you get caught using your mobile phone while driving just five times within two years, you can wave your licence goodbye for a few months.
Some drivers say this is not enough!
Waikato University’s psychology department associate professor, Samuel Charlton, who has studied the safety of using phones while driving, said the law change did not go far enough.
"I think it's a really great start and a step in the right direction, but still allowing hands-free devices sends the mistaken impression that they are safe, when they are clearly not," Dr Charlton said. http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/2752111/Phone-ban-not-tough-enough/
Just like the abusers over the smacking law and the drink drivers, you can’t stop people from using their mobile phones behind the wheel of a car. Besides, haven’t the police got better things to do than pulling people up for sending a text message? I believe they need to put more of an effort into targeting drivers that are speeding and that are drink driving – this is far more serious. On the other hand, using a mobile phone behind the wheel would only become serious if an accident occurred, and according to these statistics, they are.
Between 2003 and 2008 there were 482 crashes causing injury and 25 fatal crashes resulting from someone using a mobile phone or other telecommunications device. http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/s-official-no-driving-and-dialling-2913600
Would you still use your mobile phone while driving?
5 comments:
^^ I think it's better to stop your car and hear the cell phone or just call back later... It's also good reason to refuse a call, hehe...
I'll read a new message on my phone while I am driving but I will very rarely send one. Even though your only flicking your eyes down for a second at a time, it is still a distraction that could result in disaster for yourself or others. If there was a law, I would probably still check messages but me more conscious of who was around.
When you say police should find something better to do, do you mean to say that texting and driving isn't an issue?
I gotta admit, I do text and drive occasionally.
However, I think that it is ridiculous that this law has only just been passed.
In a study conducted by the University of Utah, a driving simulation showed that drivers who are affected by alcohol are more likely to crash than those who are distracted by a cell phone.
I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one! Using a cell phone while driving is definitely something that the police should be policing.
What I meant to say is that drivers distracted by a cell phone are more likely to crash than those affected by alcohol.
:)
Yeah I think texting and driving is a distraction and not only puts the driver at risk but other people sharing the road. The thing to consider is the advancement of technology...sure hands-free is a lazy solution as it is still cause for distractions but the growing pupularity of Blackberries, Organisers and IPhones means people could get away with checking their e-mails or facebook while behind the wheel. By banning phone usage this could very well reduce the risks. I mean if you can dirve remarkably better while blindfolded should you be able to do so? Even if you have got the quick-glance method down pat, it only takes a small lapse in judgement and concentration. The interesting thing will be how the police are going to monitor cell usage while driving...Great blog subject Sam.
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