News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         October 27, 2009

Ban on Hand-Held Devices Makes Driving Safer

The Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Committee in Grey Bruce endorses Ontario’s ban on hand-held devices while driving. The law, which took effect October 26, makes it illegal for drivers to talk text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communication and entertainment devices.

The ban is expected to have positive results for the young people in Grey Bruce. From 2000 to 2003, 79% of the deaths among youth in Grey Bruce were caused by motor vehicle crashes, a rate significantly higher than the Ontario average of 31% and the national average of 35%.

“Distractions like cell phones, text messaging, adjusting music, eating and other passengers can lead to a dangerous situation.” (Reducing the Crash Risk for Young Drivers, Mayhew et. Al. Traffic Research Injury Foundation, June 2006.)

Established in the fall of 2008, the Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Committee is made up of local and provincial professionals, concerned citizens and a local parent who has had personal experience with the devastating outcomes of motor vehicle crashes. The committee is dedicated to the reduction of motor vehicle collision involving youth and the related injury. This past spring, the committee hosted Think and Drive, providing information and support to parents and novice drivers.

Although the committee is pleased with the new legislation, there is still more parents and youth can do to make driving safe. Even the most experienced driver can be distracted by passenger activity in the vehicle. This distraction is worse with a novice driver trying to manage the vehicle, especially with the influence of their peers. 

The introduction of this new regulation is a good time to remind parents that the greatest crash risk for teens is in the first six months after getting their license. The committee urges parents to support their new driver, not only by re-enforcing the new legislation on hand-held devices, but also by limiting the number of passengers the novice driver can have in their car while they are learning to drive. Parent should know whom their children are getting a ride with and talk with other parents so everyone can work together. Share that driving is a privilege and a serious responsibility.

Parents should make a driving contract with their teen so everyone is clear on their responsibility. Visit the following websites for examples of safe driving contracts and information on how to make your own.

www.opp.ca/Community/DriverSafetySection/opp_001636.html

www.saferoads.com/pdf/GIG_Teachers%20Guide.pdf

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For more information:

Krista Witzke

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 2230