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Text messaging - Source: Reuters
Cellphones are being partly blamed for a sharp rise in fatal crashes around Auckland.
Fifty-four people have died on the region's roads so far this year. That is one down on the toll for the whole of 2008.
Crash investigators say there's anecdotal evidence that more motorists are talking and texting on cellphones while behind the wheel.
Auckland City road policing manager Inspector Gavin Macdonald says the dangers of using a cellphone while driving are clear.
He says if a child walks out in front of a car, drivers have only have a couple of milliseconds to react, and if they are on the phone it's even worse.
At present the law does not forbid a person from talking or texting on the phone while driving, although police can enforce the Land Transport Act if the driver is driving recklessly or dangerously.
The Transport Minister says he'd like to ban using cell phones while driving tomorrow, but can't.
Joyce says there is a process that must be followed before any change, including public consultation.
He says he is expecting a report at the end of June on the public consultation - but that's running a bit late.
However he's expecting to have the report by the end of the week and he still hopes to have a cellphone ban in place by September or October.
Do you think cell phone use while driving has contributed to the road toll? Do you text/dial and drive? Share on our message board below:
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentJafa Angel said on 2009-07-21 @ 17:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
How is this surprising? You can tell from a mile away when somebody's on their phone or texting - erratic speed, weaving all over the road, missing red lights. Scarey when you see truck and bus drivers (and cops!!!) doing it - even worse when they're texting. Makes you scared to drive! They need to make it illegal. Mind you - it's equally scareh when you see people punching info into the GPS while they're driving!!!!
redhat said on 2009-07-21 @ 13:51 NZDT: Report abusive post
so how much evidence is Anecdotal evidence? Does that mean they suspect it, but could never prove it? If the eidence exists that the crsh is caused by driver inattention then why are they not being prosecuted, as the law already has the ability for careless driving charges. Sounds to me lke the cops can't prove it, but want to give a reason to issue more fines. I smell a rat in this story somewhere
sri said on 2009-07-21 @ 11:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
O YES, I FULLY AGREE WITH THIS. THE HINDI RADIO STATION IN NZ SHOULD STOP THEIR ADVERTISEMENT ASKING THE LISTERNERS TO SEND TEXT MSG TO PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITION. THEY SHOULD ASK THE LISTERNERS TO CALL FROM THE LANDLINE ONLY TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY COMPETITION AND NO TEXT AND CELL PHONE CALLS SHOULD BE ENTERTAINED. SRI
jonthepom said on 2009-07-21 @ 11:07 NZDT: Report abusive post
I say bring in a law to proscecute people using a cellphone without a handsfree kit while driving a vehicle. Legislation will need to also have clauses about texting . That I feel is the real danger.Having a phone call with one hand on wheel is bad enough but txts either sending or reading is a really hazardous pastime.