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Mobile phone user - Source: ONE News -
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Political parties and cellphone companies are welcoming a ban on texting and using hand-held cellphones while driving.
Even the Act Party, which has been a strong opponent of government interference in people's lives, is supporting the move announced by Transport Minister Steven Joyce on Thursday.
Under changes to the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule effective from November, drivers who ignore the rule will face an $80 fine and 20 demerit points.
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"There are a lot of other distractions while driving but hand-held mobile phone use has grown to become a significant problem," Joyce said.
"The reality is we need to send a strong signal to all road users that it's not on. Texting and driving in particular is a total no brainer."
Drivers will be able to use hands-free devices and two-way radio under the ban. There would also be an exemption for 111 calls.
Support by Act
Act MP John Boscawen supported the move.
"I don't think it is nanny state," he told NZPA.
Between 2003 and 2008, there were 482 injury crashes and 25 fatal crashes in New Zealand where the use of a mobile phone or other telecommunications device was identified as a contributing factor.
"The ACT Party supports road safety and he is leaving it legal for people to use a phone if they install a hands-free kit."
He said there were other distractions such as eating, talking to other people in the car or changing a radio station but there was evidence that cellphone use was a factor in crashes.
"(If) by prohibiting that you can make the road safer then the ACT Party's got no objection to it."
Joyce said allowing hands-free calls recognised many business and trades people depended on cellphones.
"However, I would still urge hands-free users to pull over to make or respond to calls whenever possible."
Telecom and Vodafone both welcomed the move and the companies have staff policies where drivers were told to pull over to accept calls and only use hands-free devices when that was difficult.
Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of car magazine the Dog and Lemon Guide, said a law change on its own would not make a big difference.
Research showed young drivers tended to ignore bans, with one study showing a spike in use following a ban.
He suggested instead of fines that police be able to seize phones and return them by post.
"The officer would also note the offender's details, and after two offences the cellphone would be permanently seized."
Temporary loss of their cellphone may be more effective than a fine, he said.
Other rule changes
Joyce also announced other changes to the Road User Rule including a requirement for motorcyclists and moped riders to operate headlights during daylight hours.
"The number of motorcycle crashes has increased rapidly in recent years as motorcycle usage has grown in popularity again.
"This requirement will help to ensure that motorcyclists are visible to other road users."
The rule contained 23 small and technical changes to improve road safety, clarify existing laws, reduce compliance costs, assist enforcement, and improve traffic flow.
Joyce said a 10-year road safety strategy review would soon be out for consultation.
Add a Comment:
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.