It's about time
 

Ontario's Liberal government will introduce legislation on Tuesday to restrict the use of cellphones, BlackBerrys and other electronic devices by drivers.

Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said the legislation will go beyond cellphones to address all electronic devices used by drivers.

Government sources told Canadian Press the bill will include regulations that would force Ontario drivers to use hands-free equipment when making phone calls — and specifically ban text-messaging and e-mailing while driving.

Legislation similar to this was introduced nearly 10 years ago by Progressive Conservative MPP John O'Toole. He thinks the government's legislation should take a softer approach, stressing education over punishment.

"On first offences, what they should do is require them to take some kind of course on driver distraction to show them in these lab things how you are 25 per cent more likely to be in an accident if you're involved with technology. So I would start that way. Don't start with the hammer, start with the educational piece, I think that's the important part." said O'Toole.

The Liberal bill will not ban all cellphone use in a car. Talking while using a hands-free device would be permitted.

That's in spite of studies that suggest using a headset is just as much of a distraction for drivers as holding a cellphone.

There will also be new rules governing the use of Global Positioning Systems by drivers.

Newfoundland, Quebec and Nova Scotia have all introduced rules to stop drivers from using hand-held phones, while Manitoba and Prince Edward Island are considering similar bans.

The Ontario Medical Association says speaking on a phone while driving puts people at "a significantly greater risk" of getting in an accident, and warns that using hands-free devices doesn't really lower the risk.


http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/sto...ll-phones.html

Here is the part I don't get.
In the name of public safety they mandate seat belts and other passive safety features in cars...When TV's started going in vehicles they quickly passed laws to keep the driver from watching and being distracted but....
Most states still dont have hands free laws or restrict phone use at all?

I see people screw up turns, no turn signal and all sorts of other stupid unsafe driving because of phone use...People had problems driving safely without phones but in the state I live in VA there are no restrictions.
They just talk trash after an accident when they find out the driver was on the phone or texing.
Go figure.:confused: