Distracted driving has yet to emerge as an election issue in the U.S., but it's making news on the campaign trail in Canada's New Brunswick province. The current Liberal government has come under fire once again for its foot-dragging in enacting specific distracted driving laws. New Brunswick remains one of two Canadian provinces without laws against text messaging while driving. Political Conservatives have said several times during their campaign for the fall election that they’ll promptly enact distracted driving legislation if victorious in the fall. The issue hit the front burner Sept. … [Read more...]
Alberta distracted driving law unveiled
April 14, 2010 by 6 Comments
Alberta would no longer be "Canada’s traffic-safety donkey" under long-delayed legislation that would tackle distracted driving. The province's Tory government called the plan "some of the most comprehensive distracted driving legislation in Canada." Bill 16, introduced April 14, would outlaw drivers' use of handheld cell phones (hands-free OK), as well as PDAs and other handheld electronic communications devices. Texting would be included in forbidden activities. Alberta's distracted driving legislation includes a ban on "personal grooming" while driving. While frequently cited (by dubious … [Read more...]
Ontario cell phone, texting ban begins
October 26, 2009 by 2 Comments
Ontario's law banning the use of handheld electronic devices by drivers is now in effect. Enforcement of the province-wide ban started Monday, but the fines that could sap violators of $500 (CAN) won't kick in until Feb. 1, 2010. "This law is about keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel," Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said at a news conference in Toronto on Monday. "We need to prevent these unnecessary road accidents and I believe this law will do just that." Drivers may continue to use cell phones if a hands-free device such as a Bluetooth headset is … [Read more...]
A close shave with Ontario cell phone ban
July 9, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Ontario's government ombudsman is taking heat for distracted driving -- because he was busy making a tattle-tale video of an extreme case of distracted driving. Andre Martin, the province watchdog, noticed a driver ahead of him using an electric razor to shave his head. Martin whipped out his iPhone and made a video of the outrage, posting it as an example of how motorists will do just about anything behind a wheel, the Toronto Sun reported. Martin was stopped at a light at the time. Unfortunately for Martin, his actions were in violation of the Ontario's new hands-free law, at least in … [Read more...]
Canadian distracted driving updates
December 1, 2008 by 39 Comments
Canada cell phone/texting overview: Distracted driving laws have been enacted in all Canadian provinces, with restrictions similar to those being adopted in the United States. These Canadian provinces have active laws against use of handheld cell phones and/or text messaging while driving -- Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland/Labrador. Newfoundland (2002) was the first province to adopt a distracted driving law, and Alberta (2011) was the last. Here's a guide to distracted driving laws in … [Read more...]
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