No more driving and talking: AMPS to enforce cell phone laws

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service announced Tuesday that officers will now be on the lookout for drivers using their cell phones on the Quebec side of Akwesasne. A new law in the province of Quebec prohibits any cell phone use by individuals operating a vehicle.

“As of April 1, 2008, use of a hand-held cell phone that does not have a ‘hands-free’ function is prohibited while driving,” said Assistant Chief of Police Jerel Swamp. “Committing this type of offence will result in …a $115 fine.”

The law applies to drivers using any device with a radio function, including Blackberrys. Police said if a driver is holding such a device, they are presumed to be using it. The law applies to the usage of a cell phone at red lights or at stopped traffic as well.

Police released the following information regarding cell phone use:

NEW LAW IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC REGARDING CELL PHONE USAGE WHILE DRIVING

 Driving an automobile requires your full attention and concentration. When you’re at the wheel, you have to be constantly on the lookout for anything that might occur on the road unexpectedly. Use of a cell phone while driving, therefore, is a major distraction.

HAZARDS OF USING A CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING

 Driving while you’re making a call increases the risk of an accident.

According to a Quebec study, the chances of having an accident rises 38% when drivers are using a cell phone. The likelihood of violating the Highway Safety Code (ex. running a red light, failing to obey a mandatory stop) also increases. The number of times a driver uses a cell phone also raises the risk. Drivers who use a cell phone a lot run a higher risk of collision than occasional users.

Using a cell phone while driving affects how you drive and operate a vehicle.

• You react more slowly when braking in an emergency.

• You have difficulty driving in a straight line, avoiding obstacles on the road or maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

• You are less aware of what is happening around you, both inside and outside of the vehicle.

• Your field of vision is reduced.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Drivers who are holding a cell phone in their hand are presumed to be using it.

• Any device that has a telephone function, such as a wireless information device (ex. BlackBerry), is deemed to be a cell phone and is therefore prohibited when it is held in the hand.

• To use a device with a telephone function, drivers must bring their vehicle to a stop in a location where parking is authorized.

• Drivers who are waiting at a red light or delayed in traffic are considered to be driving their vehicle.

“HANDS-FREE”

Use of a “hands-free” cell phone or other device is permitted.

However, the simple fact of carrying on a telephone conversation is still a source of distraction that diverts the attention of the person behind the wheel. Despite the fact that a motorist’s hands are free to drive, using a “hands-free” device is not a risk-free option and is not advisable.

SAFETYTIPS

•Turn off your phone before setting off and let your voice mail take all messages.

•If you absolutely must use your phone, pull your vehicle into a location that does not pose a danger to you or others on the road.

•Ask a passenger to answer or make the call for you.

“We are all responsible for our conduct on the road,” said Swamp. “Let’s make our community safe for the next seven generations.”