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Text messaging - Source: Reuters -
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Critics say the government's cellphone ban won't work, as it is unlikely teenage drivers will adhere to it.
They say international research shows young people are highly likely to ignore laws that ban texting or talking while driving, and they are the most vulnerable on the roads.
The United Kingdom banned hand held cellphones six years ago and while they have seen some improvement in driver behaviour, experts say there's a long way to go.
The head of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents says the UK's ban has reduced road deaths, but the government's had to increase the penalties after Brits began flouting the law.
He says about 90,000 penalty notices are issued every year to British drivers using mobile phones.
The new law will come into effect in November, and those who break it, will incur an $80 fine and 20-dermerit points.
Drivers will still be able to use hands free kits, and two way radio.
Between 2003 and 2008, there were 482 crashes causing injury, and 25 fatal crashes, all resulting from someone using a mobile phone, or other telecommunications device.
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Post new commentswimmerd said on 2011-05-28 @ 10:06 NZDT: Report abusive post
I do not think they go far enough. The police should be given the powers to confiscate the mobile phone from the driver if thay are caught using it.
tomolly said on 2011-05-28 @ 08:22 NZDT: Report abusive post
Great ideal.The number of people talking on cellphones is amazing in Remuera. They drive their expensive cars but dont invest in something for hands free. Does this include the police as twice this week I have seen them on celllphones????
Alex said on 2009-11-02 @ 07:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
Mobile phone usage while driving hasn't caused that many road deaths. But just because it hasn't doesn't mean that it is right. It's a big distraction and drivers ought to wait until they pull over to answer the call or text. Or simply do it later if it is not important
blacksky said on 2009-10-26 @ 19:08 NZDT: Report abusive post
I guess this helps but there are so many other distractions what is the point. It would be better to put the time and effort in to better driver training than to pass new laws. I think distractions that are just as bad if not worse that I regularly see drivers doing include, kids, eating, MP3 players, stereos. Its not like we can ban these. Kids must be the biggest distraction, e.g. if your baby starts crying your natural reaction is to take your eyes off the road and look...cont next post...
mouthguard said on 2009-08-26 @ 10:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
The hard science shows us that there is no difference in risk between hands-free and normal phones while driving. Yet hands-free is still going to be OK. Another example of legislation missing the point. It is the distraction that is the problem, not the communication method as it turns out. Our cell-phone addiction is actually killing Kiwis on the road.