Thursday, November 12th, 2009
Saskatchewan proposes to ban hand-held cellphones, texting, while driving
REGINA - Saskatchewan has introduced legislation that will ban talking and texting on hand-held cellphones while driving starting on Jan. 1.
The proposed bill would allow experienced drivers to use hands-free phones behind the wheel, but new drivers can't use any type of cellphones while operating a motor vehicle.
June Draude, minister responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance, says using a cellphone to talk or text while driving is clearly dangerous.
Studies suggest drivers who text are up to 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision than a non-distracted driver.
Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Nova Scotia already have such laws on the books.
Manitoba's cellphone ban is expected to be proclaimed into law next year and British Columbia has introduced similar legislation.
