Mobile phone ban looms for NZ drivers
New Zealand motorists are soon to lose the right to talk and even text from their mobile phones while driving.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce last week described the decision as a “no-brainer” and indicated he would move to ban the use of all hand-held mobiles while driving.
A Transport Ministry report based on public consultation to be released in the next few weeks is expected to recommend following Australia’s lead in outlawing the practice.
Statistics reveal mobile phone use by drivers contributed to 411 crashes involving injury and 26 fatal accidents between 2002-07.
“There are already laws about driver distraction, and people shouldn’t be driving their cars and texting and being distracted by [mobile phones] at the same time,” Mr Joyce said.
But if the report follows penalty recommendations made last year, Kiwi motorists will be slapped across the wrist with a feather. The suggested punishment is a $NZ50 ($39) fine and the imposition of demerit points.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce last week described the decision as a “no-brainer” and indicated he would move to ban the use of all hand-held mobiles while driving.
A Transport Ministry report based on public consultation to be released in the next few weeks is expected to recommend following Australia’s lead in outlawing the practice.
Statistics reveal mobile phone use by drivers contributed to 411 crashes involving injury and 26 fatal accidents between 2002-07.
“There are already laws about driver distraction, and people shouldn’t be driving their cars and texting and being distracted by [mobile phones] at the same time,” Mr Joyce said.
But if the report follows penalty recommendations made last year, Kiwi motorists will be slapped across the wrist with a feather. The suggested punishment is a $NZ50 ($39) fine and the imposition of demerit points.