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Sask. & B.C. join the cellphone ban while driving party
Newfoundland & Labrador were the first to ban cellphone use while driving in 1993… soon after Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario followed. On January 1st, 2010 a couple more provinces join the growing list: Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
The ban officially goes into effect in a few hours but as usual the police will give a 1-month “grace period” to get used to the new law. In B.C during the grace period they have opted to give out educational brochures rather than actual warning tickets like Ontario did. However, in B.C. starting February 1st if you’re caught disobeying the law you’ll be slapped with a $167 fine. In addition if you’re a novice driver or have a learner’s licences you’ll get dinged three penalty points off your record.
Over in Saskatchewan drivers are also banned from talking, texting or using their email while driving. If you’re caught doing this without the use of a Bluetooth hands-free device to you’ll be charged $280 and receive 4 demerit points on their licence.
We’ve done many reviews of accessories so make sure you check them out. Rather to be safe and prepared then loose your hard earned dough and licence over an e-mail.
Victoria police Chief Jamie Graham said “Ninety per cent of the public wants a cellphone ban, but they don’t think it applies to them. As we develop strategies for prevention, we have to think of how we’re going to get through to people like that. It’s about cognitive brain functioning. A lot of people don’t understand that this [practice] is dangerous — the human brain can only process so much.”
Saskatchewan cabinet minister June Draude stated “The best way to handle any call is to safely pull over on the side of the road to answer your phone or let voice-mail pick it up”.
Will you be obeying the new laws?
Discussion
8 comments for “Sask. & B.C. join the cellphone ban while driving party”
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its about time this was done…i will not even own a cell phone let alone talk on one while driving….i have seen alot of near accicidents because of them…its about time
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How could anybody disagree with this law? Have seen so many drivers paying more attention to their cellphone than to their driving…I know one person who drives a double decker bus in Victoria that spends most of her shift on the phone. If that isn’t criminal, what is?
This is one of those ‘obvious’ laws that should apply everywhere in the country.
Any time there is an accident, police should be checking the drivers phone to see if the were talking or texting at the time of the accident. If they were, they should be charged, and insurance should be cancelled…just like if they were impaired.
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So let me get this straight “ken clint” you dont plan on driving with this cell phone you dont have, thats good…….. why are you on a web site about cell phones? ……. so you have never had one , will not get one , and will not drive with one, but yet you know nothing about them lol. some people are funny……….
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‘nevermind’…..as long as ‘ken clint’ uses public roads, or crosswalks, he is just as much at risk from i****s talking/texting while driving as the rest of us…therefor his opinion is just as valid as anybody elses.
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You are an i***t. Careless drivers put everyone in danger, not only other cell phone users. What is there to know about cell phones that would change his opinion of using while driving? Judging by the inability to use ellipses correctly, the inability to use proper grammar, and the “lol”, I would say you’re probably under the age of 18, or at least have the mental capabilities and experience of one under the age of 18. Do not speak unless spoken to.
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nevermind, just becuase somebody doesnt want a cell phone, doesnt mean they cant surf this site, i come on here wanting to know about the latest phones, but im not in a postion to get them at the momemnt (still in contact)
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I disagree with this law (Im glad i live in Alberta, with no cell phone laws). This is just as stupid as the bylaw that my town wanted to put into effect. They wanted all the liquor stores and pawn shops to close at 8pm to cut down on criminal activity.
Where does it stop? Studies have shown that eating after 8pm is bad for your health, so are they going to make a law stating that all places that sell food must close at 8pm to cut down on obesity?!?
What about make up? I have seen women putting on make up while driving, do we have to put a ban on make up?
“I don’t have a clever way to end my rant.”
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I for one am happy to see this change. I can’t believe how many people drive with the phone glued to their ears. It’s even more amazing when I see them trying to park the car or texting at the same time.
Something else we should address is women applying makeup or brushing their hair while driving. It’s amazing how many I see doing this while driving to work in the mornings. This should be banned as well.
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