Uxbridge's MPP sells new cell bill

May 12, 2008 - 03:11

By Jeff Hayward

UXBRIDGE -- If there can't be an outright province-wide ban on driving while using a cell phone, there should still be some restrictions, says Durham's MPP.

John O'Toole introduced at Queen's Park on May 7 a follow-up bill to his previous idea to ban gabbing on a cellphone while driving. The original bill "doesn't seem to be making much headway," said Mr. O'Toole. The new legislation is more specific and would see a phone ban while driving in community safety zones, within 200 metres of a traffic accident, or within 100 metres of a school crossing.

"Each of these locations demands the utmost of attention from the driver," said Mr. O'Toole. "Not all Ontarians agree with a total ban on the use of cellphones while driving. However, I am confident there is agreement that they should not be used when drivers are at an accident scene, a school crossing and portions of highway where there are heightened safety concerns."

Mr. O'Toole clarified the restrictions on cellphone use at accident scenes, noting there would be exemptions for those calling emergency services or dialing for a tow truck. He said the rules would only apply to those driving through the scene, noting drivers often use cells to snap photos of accidents and don't pay attention to the road while doing so, putting people at risk.

The new bill also contains some points of the original legislation, calling on the Province to keep records of accidents where a cell or similar device (such as a pager or computer) was a factor. In addition, student drivers would be tested on their knowledge of driving and cell phone rules.

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