Safety experts slam distracted driver legislation
Posted Apr 15, 2010 7:29 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Safety experts are calling Alberta’s proposed distracted driving legislation a disappointment.
The bill will prohibit any driver from using a hand-held cell phone, reading or doing things like putting on make-up while driving.
The fine for being distracted while behind the wheel will be $172.
The government says the law sends a strong message that people should focus while in their cars. But at least one expert says the province should reconsider continuing to let people use hands-free devices.
“There’s absolutely no difference between hands-held and hands-free because it’s the conversation that’s the distraction. On that basis, I’d have to say this is faulty legislation that’s not based on science,” says Dr. Louis Francescutti, founder of the Coalition for Cellphone-Free Driving.
He says driving while talking on the phone can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
In addition to the problems with the bans, the penalty is coming under fire.
“Whenever there’s no demerits, people will just continue to do that activity and pay for it. I know real estate agents and people that are on the road for a living, that tell me ‘hey doc, I’ll just keep paying the fines and it’s just the cost of doing business.’ So without the demerit points it makes absolutely no sense,” says Dr. Francescutti.
The Alberta Motor Association believes this bill is a big step forward but also would have preferred to see a ban on hands-free phones.
