MY TOWN -Operating a cell phone while driving a vehicle

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY TERRY PAKENHAM POSTED WITH PERMISSION: (Originally published in the Vernon Daily Courier)

While recently hosting a workshop one of the participants raised a question regarding the legalities of operating a cell phone while driving a vehicle. At present neither the Province of BC nor the Government of Canada have banned the use of cell phones while driving a motor vehicle. However, there is existing legislation under the BC Motor Vehicle Act which does cover driving without due care and attention or dangerous driving. There is also some doubt, as a result of research both in Canada and the US, that specifically identifies cell phone use as a causal factor in motor vehicle crashes. Logic, on the other hand does indicate that any distraction while driving has the potential of contributing to crash rates and cell phone use can be a clear distraction for some, if not all drivers if they are used in an unsafe and irresponsible manner. Unfortunately we cannot legislate common sense and as a result rely on existing and future cell phone users to be mindful that, given the right set of circumstances, there is potential that crashes can occur when cell phones are being used. Most major insurance and safety groups have included tips on responsible cell phone use as part of their road safety messages. Web sites such as the Canada Safety Council (www.safety-coucil.org), Canadian Wireless telecommunications Association (www.focusondriving.ca), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov), Transport Canada (www.tc.gc.ca), and ICBC (www.icbc.com), all have interesting and helpful tips on the safe use of cell phones while operating vehicles. The use of cell phones has increased dramatically over the last decade and even more so in the last 5 years with a large percentage being people under the age of 25. With this increased use of cell phones in this particular age group we now have the unfortunate mix of driving inexperience with potential distractions cell phones can cause. Safe operations of a cell phone can become as simple as pulling over when either making or receiving a call or investing in a hands-free model. It’s the simple and common sense things that can make the difference. If you have any particular concerns or questions you feel would make an interesting article please make contact with me, Terry Pakenham, at my fax line 260-5866, or my direct office line at 260-5276.