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B.C. Government Ban on Cellphone Use While Driving to Commence January 1st, 2010

Categories: Legal, Random
By: , IntoMobile
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 6:47 AM

driving-on-cell-phoneThe government of British Columbia has made it all official. New legislation is going into effect January 1st, 2010 that bans drivers from sending or reading text or email messages… Plus, making or taking phone calls will be prohibited, unless a hands-free device with one-touch dialing is used. Thumbs B.C. I think you’ve got this right!

If you’re caught by the coppers, you’ll receive a $167 fine (starting next February) and receive penalties against your license.

Trace Acres of the BCAA commented on the matter:

“You should get in the habit of turning off your cellphone or other handheld electronic devices before getting in the car, or leaving them in a briefcase or in the trunk where it is out of reach and won’t tempt you. Then, when you reach your destination take a minute to check for messages. Also, change your voice message to say you’re currently unavailable or driving, and will return the call when it is safe to do so.”

Amen.

This is just another sign of the times. Where I’m from in Manitoba, our government is in the middle of an ‘awareness’ campaign warning commuters of the dangers of cellphones and driving. It’s of course the first step towards an all-out ban of the devices while behind the wheel.

[MobileSyrup via NewsWire]

About The Author

James Falconer

James was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada. Almost 15 years ago he started out in the 'real world' as a web and graphic designer. Through the years he has finely tuned his skills in SEO, internet marketing, conversion strategy, and project management. To date, he runs his own successful consulting business where he advises companies all over the globe. A co-founder of www.crackberry.com, and sole proprietor of www.mactropolis.com, James in recent years has become very active in the tech blogosphere. Online community building and strategy is fast becoming one of his passions. Watch for James' no frills attitude, unique perspective and to-the-point comments here on IntoMobile!

  • Fred Gorosh

    Personally, I’m delighted with this law. I’m a professional driver of 42 years. I see it day after day. People driving while talking on a cell, and completely oblivious to what’s going on around them. The standard argument is that it’s no different than talking to someone in the vehicle. Not true. If you’re talking to someone in the vehicle, both sets of eyes and minds are in the vehicle and aware. Talking on a cell, your mind is on the other end of the conversation.