There is no legislation in New Brunswick, Canada that prohibits cell phone use while driving. A consulting report recommended a restriction on using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. It seems that, in New Brunswick, other issues take precedent:

“…Public Health spokeswoman Sheri Strickland says that at the moment the issue is taking a backseat to other driving concerns in the province.

“The three factors that most affect loss of life and injury in New Brunswick are impaired driving, speeding and not using seatbelts … So right now we’re focusing on those three issues … there are many things that cause driver distraction — and a cellphone is only one of them.”"

link: N.B. puts cellphone driving ban on hold

This approach is baffling in many ways. There have been studies to show that cell phone distraction compares to driving under the influence of alcohol. The priorities that Ms Strickland listed will be ongoing issues. To formulate legislation and restrict cell phone use are steps that can be taken while still proceeding with previous priorities. Are government agencies not capable of having multiple priorities? And finally, why ask for a consultation report if the recommendations are going to be set aside? It seems like an exercise in futility.

Catherine Forsythe

[tags]cell phones, driving, legislation, research studies, new brunswick, security, distractions[/tags]