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Restrictions on Cell Phone Use Aim to Improve Road Safety

6:00 am on April 18, 2006 | Category: Cell Phones, Law, Mobile Devices, Regulation

As more and more drivers begin using cell phones behind the wheel, provincial and state governments in both Canada and the US are examining new laws to restrict the use of wireless devices while driving.

In the United States, 6% of drivers admit to regularly making calls (without a headset) while operating a motor vehicle, including 10% in the often accident-prone 16 to 24 age demographic.

This increasing trend has raised many safety concerns, and inspired twenty six states to pass laws restricting the use of mobile phones by drivers. Some restrictions only apply to teenagers and learner drivers, while others force everybody to wear a hands free headset or earphone when using their phones.

Such laws are designed to minimize the distraction caused by cell phones, and potentially make the roads safer. Many disagree that the restrictions are making a difference, however, citing the fact that there are plenty of other distractions a lot more dangerous than mobile devices.

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