12th March 2008

The use of cell phones whilst driving has been a topical item for some time now, yet the government which passes all manner of silly laws every five minutes has been reluctant to take any action over the matter despite other many other countries doing so. Everyone agrees that the practice is potentially dangerous yet Harry Duynhoven (Minister of Transport) is quoted as saying that outlawing the use of handheld phones would be too difficult to enforce and would just result in a large number of fines. Education is the key to the solution he says.

Bunkum Harry! Seat belts have been compulsory since 1972, yet despite a multitude of "educational" campaigns and blitzes, drivers still ignore the law and it is only the deterrent of a fine which keep the majority in line. I would imagine the transport section of the police would delight in having a new revenue stream and a fresh excuse to stop drivers. Detecting drivers using cell phones is no more difficult than non seatbelt wearers. When I am in town and taking the dog for a walk I can count more than a dozen drivers using cell phones in 30 minutes (most of them appear to be real estate agents).

Somehow our self important society has elevated itself to the level where we have to be contactable and respond instantly every second of the day. Perhaps some people do need that, in which case get a hands free phone fitted to the vehicle. The rest which is probably 90% of the population, either pull over to respond to the call or let it go to voicemail. Passing legislation and setting a fine (along with education) will modify the behaviour of a large percentage of the populace. Those that choose to ignore the law (as many drivers do) will then bear the consequences when an accident is attributable to the violation. All Insurance Companies need to do is write a clause into their policies stating that the policy is voided if it is proved in law that the accident was caused by careless use of a cellphone. That would make people sit up and think "is it worth the risk?"

TC