The government of Victoria, Australia, has an official message for its citizens: "Don't be a dickhead. Don't use your phone." The opposition party and a loose coalition of teachers, moralists and conservatives aren't amused, saying the driving safety campaign sends a bad message to the state's youth and is an affront to educators. Finance and Water minister Tim Holding says, "Whatever it is, indeed it's already promoted debate." "Our road safety campaigns in Victoria have always provoked debate and discussion and sometimes it's because of the graphic images that have been presented, … [Read more...]
‘Name and shame’ cell phone violators
January 8, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Steady, cell phone chatterers. The Essex Chronicle in England has decided to "name and shame" drivers who are violating traffic laws by using mobile phones behind the wheel. A reporter accompanied local police as they cited drivers for chatting and texting while motoring. The newspaper then printed the perps' names and photos. The unusual tactic sometimes is used by the media to humiliate prostitutes' johns, but the cell phone suspects didn't seem all that repentant. "I don't like people telling me how to live my life," said second-time offender Gemma Dean. When asked if she felt like she … [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...]
International distracted driving roundup
August 22, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Distracted driving news from around the globe. (Does not include the EU member states, Britain, Australia or Canada.) View the European distracted driving news page, the British distracted driving news page and the Australia & New Zealand cell phone laws roundup. In Japan, serious crashes linked to distracted driving were at a record rate in 2023. There were 122 distracted driving crashes with deaths or serious injuries, the National Police Agency reported in March 2024. Japan last hiked penalties for distraction in 2019. In Jamaica, new road traffic regulations went into effect in … [Read more...]
European cell phone, texting roundup
August 17, 2009 by 2 Comments
In Spain, the traffic law was revised in late 2021 to provide for 6 demerit points vs. the license for holding cell phones while driving. The tougher new traffic rules -- which go into effect in late March 2022 -- also make prosecution of mobile phone offenses easier, as police only have to witness the holding of the phone to write a citation -- not its active use. Fine remains 200 Euros. (View the British distracted driving news page and the International distracted driving news page.) In Spain, a plan to toughen mobile phone laws for drivers is advancing in parliament. The new Traffic, … [Read more...]
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