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Source: ONE News -
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New laws banning drivers from using handheld cellphones come into force in a week and while most people are aware of the changes they are not so definite about whether they will obey them.
Latest figures show 96% of drivers know about the changes which take effect in just six days and police say they will be enforcing the new law.
"There's been a world of publicity on this...I doubt there's anyone in the country that hasn't heard," says Sergeant Pete Daly from Christchurch.
Drivers caught texting or using handheld phones are set to lose $80 and gain 20 demerit points.
But what is less certain is whether the changes will be enough to make people think twice about making a sneaky handheld call or sending that one quick text.
ONE News spent an hour at a busy Christchurch intersection and found drivers had mixed feelings over the new law.
But legislators have listened to people who are already victims of cellphones at the wheel.
Samuel and Beverley Keating died on their 49th wedding anniversary because of the actions of a driver who was texting.
"It was very hard to comprehend that Sam and Bev were no longer with us...and then finding out the reason why was just unbelievable," says Sam's brother Russell Keating.
The new ban won't bring back his his brother but Russell says even if it only saves one life, it's worth it.
"When I'm in the car, I switch it off and it goes in the glovebox," he says.
Do you think cell phone use while driving has
contributed to the road toll? Do you text/dial and drive? Share
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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.