The Manitoba Driver > New cellphone law takes effect July 15

The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
July 2010

About 300 words
New cellphone law takes effect July 15

Amendments to Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA) take effect July 15, making it illegal to use a hand-held cellphone while driving. Increased enforcement means that drivers who are caught talking or texting will have to pay for a $199.80 ticket in addition to their usual phone bill.

“Distracted driving contributes to 80 per cent of all collisions and hand-held cellphones are the number-one driver distraction,” said Clif Eden, manager of Road Safety at Manitoba Public Insurance. “We hope the amendments to the HTA will make drivers more aware of the risks of using their cellphones on the road.”

The risks associated with talking and texting on a hand-held cellphone are real and they’re high. Current research suggests that drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to get in a collision. Even just talking on a hand-held phone increases the risk by four times.

“Driving requires your full attention,” Eden said. “The risk of driver distraction just isn’t worth that phone call or text.”

There are many ways drivers can avoid an expensive fine or, worse, a tragic accident. Turning the phone off, asking passengers to take the call or letting the calls go to voicemail will all contribute to safer roads.

Using hands-free and wireless devices can also lower the risk. Bluetooth technology, headsets and wireless- enabled voice command in vehicles will all accommodate hands-free communication while on the road. But drivers should still be aware that even though they’re using their phones in a hands-free manner, their attention is still divided by talking on the phone and driving.

“Using a cellphone in any way reduces your attention and concentration by 37 per cent,” said Eden. “The best way to avoid a costly fine while reducing your risk of a crash is to keep your focus on the road.”

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