BC Joins Fight Against Distracted Driving
Forty per cent of all cell phone minutes are spent when people are behind the wheel, according to the Wall Street Journal.
On January 1, 2010, British Columbia passed legislation restricting the use of communications devices by drivers.
This is just the latest province to join the growing movement against distracted driving.
At AMA, it's our policy to pull over to use any wireless electronic communication devices. Many companies are adopting this policy.
The new cell phone laws for drivers in BC are as follows:
- Drivers not send or read text messages or e-mails.
- Drivers not make or receive calls or hold a cell phone.
- Hands-free devices (built in or fixed to the vehicle, that are used by pressing a single button once only) will be permitted.
- Drivers not hold or operate any electronic device.
- Learner and Novice drivers (those in the Graduated Licensing Program) do not operate hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic communications devices.
» Test your driving skills online with AMA's Proactive Driver Assessment.
Again keep in mind that cell phone use and texting while driving are significant driver distractions that lead to a greater risk of crashing.
No matter which province you drive in, the safest practice would be to pull over some place safe to use electronic communication devices.
Tips for Driving with Wireless Communication Devices
The following proactive tips are for drivers that get tempted to use wireless communication devices while driving:
- Preset your radio stations and insert CDs prior to driving.
- Have calls go to voice mail or allow a passenger to make and receive calls.
- Consider recording an outgoing voice message that lets callers know you are on the road.
- Plan for safe locations to stop (for example, rest stops or commuter lots) to make and receive calls.
- If you're using a GPS device, pre-program your route prior to your trip.
- Turning your cell phone off is the ideal solution, but it isn’t always realistic with our on-the-go lifestyle. If you have to talk on the phone, pull over some place safe.
