CELL PHONE DISTRACTION

Statistics Canada reported in 2005 that there were 47.0 wireless subscribers per 100 Canadians. At the end of 2006 there were 55.3 wireless subscribers per 100 Canadians. The number of wireless subscribers increased 8.3% to just over 18 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Wireless subscriptions are projected to increase year-over-year. Assuming an increase of 8.3% over 4 years (63.6 wireless subscribers per 100 Canadians), based on Canada's estimated population of 33,930,800 as of January 1, 2010, there would be 21,579,989 wireless subscribers in Canada at the end of 2010.

As of February 2010, the following Canadian jurisdictions have banned hand-held cell phone use while driving: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Of note, these bans are only for hand-held cell phone usage (including text messaging) and not hands-free usage.

Drivers who cause a collision while using a cell phone or who are observed driving unsafely while using the device can be charged under a number of other provincial, territorial, or federal laws including, but not limited to: dangerous driving, careless driving and criminal negligence causing death or injury.

Distractions caused by cell phones have been a focal point in the distracted driving issue. Like other distractions, cell phones undoubtedly can take a driver's attention off the road at a critical time, if used while driving. Distraction can also result from reaching for and manipulating the device. Even if you use a hands-free cell phone, pull over to take or place a call.

Using a cell phone while driving demands a driver's attention thereby making it dangerous. Studies have shown that drivers who were distracted by cell phone use were unable to properly estimate safe stopping distances, anticipate hazards, and choose the appropriate time to enter into a line of traffic.

Hands-free units free you from having to physically manipulate the device, but don't reduce your need to think about the conversation you are having, which is a cognitive distraction. Trying to find various components of your hands-free phone; putting on a headset, or changing phone settings while driving can take your attention away from the driving task, and can increase your chances of being in a crash. If you use a hands-free cell phone, it is still better to pull over to take or place a call.

Research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that the use of cellular phones does create an extra risk, largely due to the conversation that is involved. Risk occurs when you are thinking about the conversation you are having in addition to the physical distraction of handling or looking at the device. Stressful, emotional or important conversations are even more distracting.