No more cell phone usage or smoking while driving in Manitoba

There is a direct connection between cellular phones and dangerous driving. Study after study has shown that drivers who talk or text on a hand-held cellular device while operating a motor vehicle significantly increased their crash risk.

In an effort to improve road safety and healthy living conditions, the Province has legislated two new laws that take effect today.

As of tomorrow, it is illegal to drive while operating a handheld electronic device. It is also now illegal to smoke or have any lighted tobacco in a vehicle when a person younger than 16 years of age is present.

Education, awareness and enforcement are key factors in altering driver behaviour. Some of the key points in the new cellular phone legislation are:

Ø No person shall operate a hand-operated electronic device while driving on any roadway. Operating the device includes holding the device, looking at the device or using any of its functions.

Ø Driving is considered to mean: to drive or have control of a vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped off the roadway on the shoulder or if within city limits you must pull over to the curb and be parked in a properly identified parking location.

Ø Electronic device includes cellular phones, black berries and any device that has telephone capability or any device that can receive email or text based messages.

Ø Hands-free devices are permitted but the operator must be able to initiate, receive or terminate a call with a single touch or by voice command. And the device must be in a holder anchored to the vehicle and must be within easy reach of the driver.

Ø Public parking lots are considered roadway and are not excluded from this legislation.

Enforcement actions begin tomorrow Province wide and these new laws will carry a fine of $199.80.

Let’s make our streets safe for everyone and remember if you’re on the road, put down your phone and please do not smoke when children are in the vehicle.