Ontario Cell Phone Ban

It might be free of charge to call 911 on your cell phone but don't get caught doing it while your car is in motion, or you could be the one facing charges.

Ever since the first cell phone was used by motorists in Ontario the controversy and debate over their use has been a hot topic. Does talking on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle make you a worse driver and a hazard on the roads? I can't believe I'm going to say this but "yes it does".

Now let me explain that. I have been a regular user of my cell phone while driving since I first bought a cell phone some 12 + years ago. I have not had an accident. I have not caused an accident and I have not come close to being in an accident.

Maybe I've just been lucky but I honestly think what I stated in my blog post of March 10, 2007 still rings true today. People who are good drivers can operate a motor vehicle and converse on a cell phone at the same time. A bad driver is just made that much worse when they're talking on the phone or doing something other than paying attention to the road.

In case you hadn't heard, the Liberal government at Queen's Park will be introducing a long sought bill to ban not only cell phone use behind the wheel in Ontario, but all electronic distractions in your car.

The bill will be introduced at 1:45pm next Tuesday (Oct. 28/08).

It's not clear yet exactly what will be in the legislation, expected to be brought out for first reading by Transport Minister Jim Bradley, but there are reports it will prohibit all use of phones, BlackBerrys and GPS devices by drivers in this province, with the possible exception of hand's-free devices.

It appears the law will only apply to those behind the wheel and not passengers in the front or back seat.

If this becomes a law I will comply...but the Liberals (who I voted for last election) will not get another vote from me ever. Are they going to pay for the new $140 earpiece so I can still use my phone? I highly doubt it. That's right though, you'll still be able to talk on the phone...just not with the phone in your hand up to your ear. You'll be able to use one of those goofy looking in your ear dohickey's.

Don't get me wrong. I think it's a smart idea for drivers to not talk on the phone while driving but why should I be penalized for no reason. I haven't had a problem driving and talking. In fact, I've come closer to getting into a fender bender by trying to change the radio.

If it's a matter of pubic safety, then I'm all for it but why stop at cell phones and other hand held electronics. Lets stop all stupidity behind the wheel. Make the law cover drivers eating food or drinking beverages. How about women checking their make-up or applying lipstick. Why not ban talking to any of the passengers in the vehicle. That can be a distraction as well.

I am sick of the government meddling in my life and telling me what I can and can't do. It may be a good idea but this penalizes me when I haven't done anything wrong. My MPP has done nothing for me and while I like Lou Rinaldi as a person, I can no longer support him or his party of choice. I am a Liberal supporter no more!

So, while I'm driving my way to the electronics store to by a new hands-free Jawbone, I think I'll call Lou to tell him what I think of his boss Dalton.

Bad Rap For Cell Phones

If you believe that people shouldn't be allowed to talk on cell phones while driving their cars and that a law should be in place to that fact, then I'm afraid I don't want to talk to you anymore.

Well, maybe that's a bit too extreme. Perhaps I'll just give you the silent treatment for a few minutes instead.

I'm a firm believer that people who are good drivers and careful can operate a motor vehicle and converse on the phone at the same time. It all comes down to the extenuating circumstances of certain situations that determine the odds of crashing while doing so.

What I mean by this is that simply driving your car in a situation where there's zero traffic and excellent driving conditions with a quality driver behind the wheel should be safe. The problems arise when a driver has to deal with outer influences. These could include heavy traffic, poor weather, taking your eyes off the road or just not paying attention. It could also happen because he or she is just a rotten driver.

I'll be the first to admit that no phone call is more important than the safe operation of a vehicle. I have been driving and talking for many years with nary an incident. The reason...I'm able to recognize the time to put the phone down or pull over.

Whenever possible, I will try to avoid dialing a number while driving. I'll dial the number and then begin driving to allow me to keep my eyes on the road. Of course with voice dialing and speaker phones this becomes much easier as you can simply hold the phone in your hand, push a button on the side and say a pre-recorded name to initiate the call.

I also make use of my flip phone so that when I receive a call, I can simply just open the phone and it answers automatically. The need to look at the phone for the "send" button isn't necessary and you've already improved the situation.

I'm not saying that accidents won't happen as a result of using a phone because that would be silly but to ban their use is crazy. Yes accidents happen but where are the statistics that include all of the people who use phones and don't get into an accident? I know I've never been involved in any study. Instead they perform a test to determine if you're distracted while using a phone. Of course you'll be slightly distracted but I don't think it would be anymore then the person reaching down to play with the radio, combing hair, eating a burger, applying lipstick or reaching into the back seat to deal with kids. How about picking your nose...isn't that a distraction? Heck it might even slightly impair your vision and how often do we witness people doing that?

The point I'm trying to make is that lawmakers should just leave well enough alone. The police have enough to worry about with drug dealers, gangs, illegal weapons and pedophiles. They don't need to be pulling people over just because they're talking on a phone.

Cell phones are an important part of every day life now and I wouldn't want to see them banned. However there are a few pet peeves I'd like to share with you and they include:

1. Use a good ringtone and not an annoying one.
   
2. Talk quietly. You don't need to yell to be heard and I'm quite certain that everyone within earshot doesn't give a damn what you're talking about or who you're talking to.
3. Don't wear your phone on your hip/belt. It looks terrible. Some people, mainly older individuals, feel the need to clamp their cell phone to their hip. Is this some Batman fantasy or are you just trying to advertise that you have finally graduated to the 21st Century? The phones are small enough now that you can just put them in your pocket, coat or backpack.
4. Stop using the Blackberry. There’s nothing more irritating than someone ignoring you in the middle of a conversation just so they can read the oh-so-important email, and naturally respond. Get over it and don't be rude.

These little rules are simple and fair and anyone who breaks them has no right to complain when we take their phone and drop it into a toilet. Besides, they're probably ready to upgrade to the latest version any way.

Seriously, there are some positives and negatives of automotive cell phone. Here are some of the positives:

1. Economic: They allow us to conduct business while stuck in traffic.
2. Personal Safety: They make it easier to call for help in an emergency.
3. Mechanical: Roadside assistance is just a phone call away.
4. Access: We can stay in touch with loved ones and colleagues.
5. Money Saving: It's sometimes cheaper to call long-distance from our cars than from our homes.

Finally...before I wrap up this subject, here are some safety tips that will hopefully make your cellphone use behind the wheel a little safer for you and those around you.

1. Get to know your phone and its features.
2. When available, use a hands-free device.
3. Position your phone within easy reach.
4. Suspend calls in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions.
5. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.
6. If possible, place calls when you are not moving or merging.
7. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may divert your attention from the road.

I hope this has both entertained and enlightened you and will go a long way towards making the roads safer for everyone while at the same time ensuring my right to talk and drive for many years to come.