Impending Distracted Driver Legislation

BC will be implementing new Distracted Driver legislation this Winter. If the additions to the Motor Vehicle Act are approved, starting January 1, 2010 drivers will be prohibited from operating a cellphone while driving a motor vehicle except by utilizing a hands free device with one-touch operation. Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program will not be permitted to operate communications devices at all.

Also restricted is any use of mp3 devices such as ipods, any adjustment or programming of GPS systems, whether installed as a factory-option or not. The operation of virtually all peripheral electronic devices will be prohibited while operating a vehicle on BC roads.

Starting February 1, 2010 drivers who are caught texting or dialing on their cellphones will be fined $167 under new legislation. Drivers who are in the Graduated Licensing Program will be fined the same amount but will additionally be given 3 points on their license.

This legislation mirrors similar campaigns in Ontario, Manitoba, PEI, Nova Scotia and Quebec. Alberta, like BC has announced its own distracted driver legislation this fall. It also comes on the heels of several university studies which have demonstrated critically high levels of driver impairment or distraction by cellphone / text device usage - levels which in some cases exceed impairment by alcohol!

I'm certain that many others will be feeling somewhat relieved as I do that this legislation has finally been adopted. Please do your part and avoid both the distraction and the financial expense of using your cellphone while driving, except when absolutely necessary and only with a one-touch handsfree device.