November 27, 2008
Proposed Ban on Hand-held Cell Phone Use, Text Messaging While Driving Would Enhance Public Safety: Lemieux
– – –Proposed HTA Amendments Would Also Ban Smoking in Vehicles When Children are Present
Proposed amendments to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) introduced in the Manitoba legislature today would ban text messaging and talking on hand-held cell phones while driving, as well as smoking in cars when children under the age of 16 are present, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux has announced.
“We all know how important it is to pay full attention while behind the wheel, and imposing such a law removes a major distraction, helping to ensure motorists focus their attention on what matters most – the road,” said Lemieux. “This legislation renews our government’s commitment to increasing safety on the province’s roads.”
“Second-hand smoke increases a child’s risk of developing a serious respiratory illness,” said Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross. “This new legislation will help protect Manitoba children from exposure to the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke.”
“Physicians are very supportive of all these amendments and commend the Manitoba government for taking these steps to protect Manitobans,” said Dr. Robyn Olson, president of the Manitoba Medical Association (MMA). “There is strong evidence of the dangers second-hand smoke creates and this goes a long way to clearing the air for all.”
Olson also noted the MMA conducted a survey in May 2007 and found that 75 per cent of Manitobans supported a ban on cell phone use while driving.
Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Quebec have comparable bans on hand-held cell phones. Ontario has also recently introduced legislated proposals banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.
Several jurisdictions have introduced prohibitions on smoking in vehicles with children present including British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia and the Yukon.
Manitoba’s proposed legislation would allow for the use of hands-free communication devices when used in a hands-free manner.
Lemieux noted an extensive public education campaign will be rolled out to inform the public and give motorists access to the information they need prior to the proposed amendments becoming law.
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