Using a handheld cellular phone to talk, text, email or surf the Internets while behind the wheel is expected to formally be off limits in Saskatchewan in 2010. Cellular phone usage of any kind will also be a "hell no" for new drivers, which means anyone in the Graduated Driver's Licensing Program.
The Government of Saskatchewan yesterday proposed the new law, which will take effect January 1, 2010, as long as the bill passes during the current fall legislative sitting.
"We know that being able to keep two hands on the wheel is important," said June Draude, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance.
Draude said that the government has heard the argument that cellular phones should be banned altogether for all drivers because even hands-free phone conversations are a driver distraction. But, allowing the use of hands-free devices, such as headsets or Bluetooth earpieces, was seen as the "better option right now," she said. The exception is new drivers, "who need some time under their belts" before they can use a hands-free phone, Draude said.
The penalty for an offence associated with the new law will be $280 and four demerit points. That's a shame...
At the legislature to back the introduction of the bill was Ashley Wilkie, president of Students Against Drunk Driving at Sheldon Williams Collegiate.
"Studies have shown that it is just as bad to be on your cell-phone or texting as it is to be under the influence," said Wilkie.
Wilkie admitted that she is guilty of having used her cellular phone while driving, but she stopped the habit after watching "numerous people," including herself, almost get into accidents.
"I think that texting is the worst because it takes your full attention, that you have to be staring at your phone the whole time," Wilkie said, adding the threat of demerit points will be a deterrent.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Ian Mitchell, a senior traffic collision analyst, said driver distraction causes death and serious injury on Saskatchewan roads. Hand-held cellular phone usage is only one distraction, but barring that practice is a start, Mitchell said.
Meetings will take place to discuss enforcement of the pending law, he said.
"There are going to be some difficult situations where you can't see the cell-phone, especially in a texting situation where just the head is down behind the driver's wheel. So there's going to be some challenges for enforcement, but we've had those challenges before," Mitchell said.
Pulling over to the side of the road to talk on a cellular phone isn't a problem as long as the driver does so safely, he said.
"A lot of companies have that policy in place already. You see many company trucks on the side of the road when their employees are using the phone."
Devices such as GPS systems, two-way radios or MP3 players are not affected by the proposed legislation, although SGI notes police can charge distracted drivers with driving without due care and attention. Police, fire and medical services personnel who are on the job will be exempt from the new law, along with drivers who call 911 to report an emergency.
Using a handheld cellular phone to talk, text, email or surf the Internets while behind the wheel is expected to formally be off limits in Saskatchewan in 2010. Cellular phone usage of any kind will also be a "hell no" for new drivers, which means anyone in the Graduated Driver's Licensing Program.
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