You’ve probably heard the latest call to ban mobile phone use in cars – even if they are hands free. We are told that tough new laws to ban all mobile phone use in vehicles are being considered by transport ministers after a report found that even hands free devices dramatically increased the risk of crashing.
The draft, which federal and state ministers are reviewing stated:-
“There is evidence to support bans on all mobile phone use while driving”
A spokesperson admitted it would be difficult for many people to stop using hands free phones, so the first stage of the strategy would be to encourage drivers of heavy vehicles, buses, taxis and government cars to stop using hands free voluntarily.
It seems that several police authorities support the ban, as Superintendent Max Mitchell of the NSW police force commented:- “In my view it is just as dangerous as speed and drink driving.” Others contend that using a mobile phone is the equivalent of driving with a 0.08% alcohol level.
It looks like this is an onerous step towards a total ban, so let’s examine some of the arguments for and against.
FOR A TOTAL BAN
- Figures suggest that even the use of hands free mobile phones cause accidents
- Driving is a difficult and dangerous undertaking and anything that can eradicate any distractions is worthwhile, and must be vigorously pursued.
THE ARGUMENT AGAINST A TOTAL BAN
- Some research refutes this argument. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported last month that hand held phone bans have no effect on the frequency of car crashes. They stated “month to month fluctuations in rates of collision causes in jurisdictions with bans didn’t change from before to after the laws were enacted”
- If you ban hands free you should ban kids in cars, billboard advertising, radios and chatty passengers.
- What about CB radios in trucks and police cars – will they still have radio communication, or will they be an exception? If so, why?
- Some luxury cars have a phone system that is purely voice activated, so you don’t even have to touch a button or take your eyes off the road. This means that this law would, in these cases, prevent you even talking (OK that’s a bit extreme, but they have a point.)
- It would be unpopular; many motoring organizations (including the NRMA) think it’s going too far, and newspaper surveys suggest that around two thirds of respondents wanted hands free phones, and are against any changes in the legislation.
Do you think is it right, will it happen? Have your say below.