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Third Time’s The Charm?

By Ron Nurwisah, Boy Reporter

2006_2_8cell.jpgDurham MPP John O’Toole’s pet cause seems to be banning cellphones while driving. It’s the third time he’s tried to get Queen’s Park to pass a ban and this time he’s been spurred on by the recent death of the mom who allegedly was on her phone when her car fell into a canal over the weekend.
It seems like a no-brainer. Dozens of countries, such as the UK and many other jurisdictions have cellphone bans and so we’re a little flumoxxed that the Premier has come out against the law. McGuinty has very reminded drivers to be careful while you’re driving and dialing. A reminder that we’re sure many people will take to heart. In the meanwhile cellphones will continue to contribute to accidents.
Torontoist is aware that the province would have a tough time cracking down on cellphone use in cars but we still feel the province has got to try. Or at least send the message that it is trying. Roads are getting busier all the time, pedestrian deaths and collisions are up, there are more cyclist on the road, and more advertising to distract drivers particularly in downtown areas. Add cellphones to the mix and you’ve got a potential multi-tasking nightmare that a hyperactive office worker would have a hard time dealing with.

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  • http://www.jillmurray.com Jill

    Yeah. Not to mention the people who drive according to how their conversations are going. There are few pedestrian experiences more terrifying than crossing the street near an angry dude who’s yelling into his phone while he also realllly wants to turn right. Then there’s the thoughtful-talker, slow-fast-slow driver– always a joy to follow up to a light.

  • http://www.newmindspace.com kevin bracken

    while some will say people only follow laws out of habit, as soon as the ban took effect in New York State, NOBODY was on their phones. Nobody does it now, either; as soon as the ban passed people started getting “Shut Up and Drive” bumper stickers.
    I really think a law is the way to do it.

  • Michael

    “Add cellphones to the mix and you’ve got a potential multi-tasking nightmare”
    Potential. Are we going to legislate every potential disaster? Every potential harm? How can people defend civil liberties out of one side of thier mouths and promote a nanny state out the other?
    Sometimes I eat a sandwich while driving because I’m really hungry. Is that the next ban?

  • Bono

    no, that’s just dumb.
    cell phones are a distraction and seeing as most drivers are bad drivers, might as well not let them keep one arm and their mind off the wheel and force them to get an ear-piece for 20 bucks.

  • Michael

    So I can eat my sandwich? What about shift gears? Or change the radio station? Or have a conversation with a passenger?
    Will all the better drivers and better people let me?
    Sory for the sarcasm, but you see where I’m going with this.
    “most drivers are bad drivers” – Is that a fact?

  • Bono

    That is a fact…. you seem to be out of your element.

  • Michael

    You’re using “out of your element”, on me?
    I am The Element.

  • http://www.anita-charms.com Erik

    I try not to use my cell when while driving, cause every time I do I almost get into accident.