Cell phone ban while driving receives second reading in Ontario legislature

A private member’s bill proposing a ban on the use of cellular devices and other handheld equipment while driving on a highway received second reading in Ontario’s Legislative Assembly on Oct. 28.
Bill 40 would amend the Highway Traffic Act to prohibit the use of a cellular phone, car phone, pager, personal data assistant, portable computer, fax machine or other equipment prescribed under the act while a person is driving a motor vehicle.
The proposed bill includes exceptions for cases like emergencies, as well as situations in which an experienced driver uses the equipment entirely through a hands-free feature.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) applauded the introduction of the bill, noting that distraction is a factor in as many as eight out of every 10 collisions. Using a hand-held communication device whether for the purpose of talking, texting or Internet surfing is one of the most common driver distractions on the road today, it adds.
“To show our support, IBC employees will begin to comply with the legislation immediately rather than wait until it becomes law,” said Don Forgeron, IBC’s vice president of Ontario. “Further, the restriction will apply to employees all across the country, not just Ontario.”