Cellphones

Smart-driving tips

As of January 1, 2010, drivers in B.C. can no longer use hand-held cellphones and other hand-held portable electronic devices. Meanwhile, new drivers in graduated licensing can't use cellphones or other portable electronic devices (including hands-free) while driving.

The goal of the new law is to make our roads safer for all road users. When you are behind the wheel, anything that competes with your attention will impair your driving ability and increase your risk of being in a collision.

If your cellphone rings while driving:

• Let it go to voicemail. Better yet, turn the cellphone off to avoid the temptation to pick it up. Let voicemail do its job and call back later when it's safe to do so.
• Ask your passenger(s) for help. If you're travelling with someone else and your cellphone rings, ask them to take the call for you.
• Pull over before you answer or return a call. Your life and the life of people around you are much more important than your phone call.
• Focus on the road. Studies show that drivers who talk on a cellphone lose about 50 per cent of what's going on around them, visually, and are four times more likely to get into a crash.
• Implement the FIVE MINUTE DELAY rule. Leave a message on your voice mail letting callers know that you'll call them back when safe to do so, as you may be driving. Help create a culture where people don't expect you to pick up the phone right away!
• Ask the caller if they are "on the road". If you suspect a caller is also driving, suggest delaying your conversation until both of you are out of your vehicles. We all have a responsibility to make the roads safer.
• Use a hands-free device  if you need to take a call, and:

1. Keep the conversations brief. 
2. Keep a consistently safe speed (research shows drivers on cellphones tend to vary their speed up and down).
3. Make sure your device is securely fixed to your vehicle and doesn’t obstruct your view