| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 7:36:40 AM | Well I see the goverment has finally decided to do something about your stupid cell phones! LOL
Well to me the fine is too small for one thing!
The fact they are giving you dumb cell phone freaks till feb 1/2010 before they start to charge you for using it while driving is being way too stupid as well.
They should have done the same a England has done about no cell phone use while driving!
As for me personally they are not strict enough as they should band any cell phone use no matter if it is hands free or not while you are driving !
No one is that important to need to use the cell phone while driving.
If you need to use the phone pull over & stop .
So whats your take on it this new law coming into effect??
Is it too light ??
Is it not gonna be effective enough ??
Should they ban all cell phone use while driving including the blue tooth types too?? | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 9:03:30 AM | This is one of the dumbest laws they have ever tried to inflict on the general public.
What is the purpose of this law? Is it to force drivers to pay attention to the road? Okay, then they will need to ban passengers, food, music, daydreaming and every other thing that could possibly distract a driver. Try driving with kids in the backseat. I'll take a civilized cell convo anyday.
Is it to force drivers to have both hands on the wheel? Fine - ban smoking, donuts, coffee, one handed driving, palming, spoking, and itchy noses. And good luck pulling over on a 400 series highway to make/receive a call - that will cause more accidents than prevent.
Dumb law. Right up there with the stunt driving where they tried to regulate general stupidity. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 9:44:20 AM | I agree with this law strictly based on personal experiences.
Almost daily I see people driving erratically while trying to text. The 60km/h speed limit on a local road is always busy when the factories let out at 3-4pm. Years ago, the traffic was bumper to bumper and rather uniformed when moving.
Now, there are cars fluctuating in speed (35-70) because drivers are slowing down to text and then speeding up because they realise how slow they are goig. It's a nightmare being stuck behind these kind of ***holes especially when it's bumper to bumper traffic.
These drivers are taking very quick glances at traffic while they focus on their phones..... it's extremely dangerous. A couple times I watched cell users slam brakes as they didn't see the school bus put on its lights to drop off children (the bus stop is across from my house).
I don't know if anyone else has noticed but there seems to be a lot of rear end accidents at intersections. Maybe that has a lot to do with cell phone use? Who knows? | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 12:21:02 PM | People who text while driving are exactly the same as the falling down drunk who's trying to drive. Both deserve a heavy fine and loss of driving privileges for a minimum of one year for first offense and off to jail for further offenses.
I don't understand what is so great about text messaging, far as I'm concerned it's a total waste of time. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 1:54:11 PM | This is a bit different Candid.
Most people can chew gum and drive at the same time. But people who text are not paying attention to the road for one thing, and any use of the cell phone even for talking is taking away your reflex time to stop the car.
You see people driving and laughing at the same time, their head moving animatedly around. You cannot tell me they are checking their mirrors and knowing what is happening around them.
People will get charged, the same as drunk drivers refuse to stay off the road and kill innocent people. As a non-cell phone user, I wish people would get a life and not be so dependent on them 24/7. They are doing much more harm than good. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 2:41:36 PM | Hey, I'm not saying being on a cell phone while driving is a good thing. What I am saying is what is the motivation? They could disable the cell towers easier than enforce this. This new law also has no teeth - purely a fine. It's also dependant on being caught. Think of it - how are you going to report it? On your cell from the car? Lord knows, there's never a cop around when you want one.
All they have to do is categorize the use of cell phone under careless driving s.130 of the Highway Traffic Act. Careless covers inattention and disregard for others and carries 6 demerit points. This new law is simply politically motivated. Look at their recent track record on traffic laws.
The new smoking in the car law so far has netted more teenagers smoking in the car with their buddies than adults with children. The stunt/racing has tried to combine an absolute offence like speeding with general stupidity (strict liability offences). They've caught more soccer moms and grandmas vegging than hard core racers. Heck, even the seat belt laws are flawed. Quit trying to make up laws to cover every societal ill... you watch - farting in the car will come under emissions testing sooner or later.
There are enough laws/regs on the books. Leave the discretion to the Courts. Trust me, the JP's and Prosecutors know when cell phone usage is a factor. Until it is a problem - ie. accident, it is just another annoying bad habit like trying to light a smoke or get the lid off your timmie's cup - none of which should be done while driving. Cell phones represent only a small fraction of stupid driving habits. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 4:28:12 PM |
Hey, I'm not saying being on a cell phone while driving is a good thing. What I am saying is what is the motivation? ......purely a fine.
Anything Dalton Mc Ginty enacts is financially motivated. He is saving tax dollars by keeping them out of jail and prevent bogging down the courts. I think the offenders should be more concerned about their insurance rates if fined - OUCH!!!
It's also dependant on being caught.
But aren't most laws ?
you watch - farting in the car will come under emissions testing sooner or later.
I disagree. Farting will be taxed like all other gas.
Cell phones represent only a small fraction of stupid driving habits
I'm not so certain about that. I think cell phone use in the car is becoming more popular than picking your nose while driving. Everyone has a nose and almost everyone has a cell phone, it seems. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 4:58:04 PM | I initially thought that this would be the first time I disagree with Candid on the forums, but then I read this little gem of wisdom...
All they have to do is categorize the use of cell phone under careless driving s.130 of the Highway Traffic Act. Careless covers inattention and disregard for others and carries 6 demerit points. The lady is on the money as usual... | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 7:38:10 PM | They've already pushed it back twice... who knows if it will ever actually come into effect.
I bought a speaker bluetooth. So its basically no different then having a passenger talking to me. My bluetooth announces the number thats calling and I just touch a giant button on the front to answer. Less interference then a GPS 99% of the time. I think its just smart to have two available hands, but I cant say I dont eat or drink while driving either.
Now texting while driving is another story. Its dangerous and stupid. Youre not looking at the road and your hands are occupied, its like driving blindfolded and with your hands tied behind your back. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 7:40:12 PM |
I initially thought that this would be the first time I disagree with Candid on the forums, but then I read this little gem of wisdom...
All they have to do is categorize the use of cell phone under careless driving s.130 of the Highway Traffic Act. Careless covers inattention and disregard for others and carries 6 demerit points.
The lady is on the money as usual...
I usually agree. However, in this case I can see the reason for not charging them with careless driving. Six demerit points is a huge penalty for such a minor offence (cell phone use). The penalty doesn't suit the crime
I think the traffic fine suits the crime. Insurance companies will make them pay a hefty fine, Thus, preventing a backlog in traffic court. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 8:50:24 PM | | Thank goodness I am getting a Bluetooth headset soon, I honestly don't see how people can drive while talking with a phone in one hand, it makes it harder to check your blind spots with your phone in one hand and your other hand is on the wheel. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 9:05:13 PM | Hey its insurance companies demanding the law on cell phones use while driving people !
Plus it was on tv last winter a young lady in london ont was talking on her cell phone saw the car crash ahead of her .
But didn't slow down and bam she was part of the crash too !LOL
It was very funny to watch live on tv .
Even more funnier when the policeman told her to turn off her phone while he was trying to get her out of her car !LOL
If you think canada's cell phone law is stupid check out the uk 's cell phone law and driving !
In uk you get a 10,ooo pound fine & loose your driving permit for life !
And thats for first offence !
But then if you can chat on your cell phone 24/7 every week then you can afford only $500 canadian dollars for the little ticket you'll get !LOL
But you also will get them demerit points each time too and that would suck to have to loose your permit for too many points lost.! hahaha | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 10:40:11 PM | I think the traffic fine suits the crime. Insurance companies will make them pay a hefty fine, Thus, preventing a backlog in traffic court.
Sorry My I, but what do you think Careless s.130 HTA is? It's traffic. The Highway Traffic Act to be precise. This new law is also under the HTA. The difference is it's what's known as a paper charge - no demerit points. Demerit points are not under the Courts jurisdiction - it's the MTO. The insurance companies don't levy the fine - they just hike your rates depending on major/minor driving infractions. Double slap. The backlog will continue in the POA (Provincial Offences) Courts which is who prosecutes the HTA amongst other acts.
Using a cell phone while driving does fit the definition of Careless to a tee - especially if an accident ensues. Usually the cops charge Careless whenever there is an accident that occurs while the vehicles are moving - that or follow too close. It's par for the course. The behavior is a disregard for others and causes more than a momentary inattention. It fits the necessary elements of section 130. They don't need a new law.
You say on one hand that driving with the cell phone is such a menace that they need a law specifically to address it then you say on the other hand that Careless is too stiff a fine with the demerits. Pick a poison. The fine imposed for the cell phone is greater than the one for Careless. The MTO is the one who assigns demerits. There are 3 different streams here: HTA, insurance, and the MTO. We really don't need more laws, but we could use more enforcement of the ones we got. Reminds me of the Toronto councillor who wants to lower the speed limits 'cuz everyone is speeding. Why lower? Just enforce what you've got.
Edit: VVV photopilot - where does it say I'm for cell phone usage while driving? It's more laws I'm against. For the record: I've had a blue tooth since January and avoid even using that. Firm has it right as far the UK goes, but sadly, there will be no demerit points or risk to your licence with the proposed law - unless you fail to pay the fine. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/3/2009 10:46:27 PM | If you don't like the cellphone ban......
Would you like a little Brie with your Whine?
About bloody time IMHO. And if you can't see the common sense good of this law, well...... you're obviously a Darwin candidate yourself. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/4/2009 9:35:14 PM |
Sorry My I, but what do you think Careless s.130 HTA is? It's traffic. The Highway Traffic Act to be precise
Thanks for the info.... I was thinking it meant "Hot mail applications"
Demerit points are not under the Courts jurisdiction - it's the MTO
I am aware of that. However, it is in court that you dispute your fine, ticket, etc. At least that is where I went to dispute my ticket a few years ago. I don't recall being told to report to the MTO local office.
The insurance companies don't levy the fine - they just hike your rates depending on major/minor driving infractions
Again, I am aware of that. Maybe I should have worded it differently. Usually, the most expensive cost of any driving offence is via insurance rates.
Using a cell phone while driving does fit the definition of Careless to a tee - especially if an accident ensues. Usually the cops charge Careless whenever there is an accident that occurs while the vehicles are moving - that or follow too close. It's par for the course. The behavior is a disregard for others and causes more than a momentary inattention. It fits the necessary elements of section 130. They don't need a new law
I'm not disagreeing with your position... I agree with you. I think the law is a good law to impose because it specifically identifies cell phone use and other devices that are not associated with the operation/function of the vehicle. Being that specific kinda makes it more difficult for lawyers to defend and reduce/dismiss the charge. It can be argued that a driver errored in judgement (excluding accidents) but was not necessarily "careless"... thus leaving the window of opportunity for exploiting the definition of "careless".
You say on one hand that driving with the cell phone is such a menace that they need a law specifically to address it then you say on the other hand that Careless is too stiff a fine with the demerits. Pick a poison.
It is a menace. Being charged with careless driving does not exclude cell use for police, fire, ambulance (911). If we go with your position, everyone calling 911 from their vehicle would have to be charged with careless, as well.... there is no differential in that respect.
Your position on this isuue has some merit. It just seems there are loopholes. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/5/2009 5:20:18 PM | So does this new law cover CB radio's in big rigs?I mean they have been using these radio's for decades and without a whole lot of problems....they can actually be very helpful.....and what about the police officers that are driving along punching information into their in car computers,are they going to be banned?Or is this going to be another double standard law?
I personally think this law is way behind the times! | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/5/2009 9:39:15 PM | I bet it will be a double standard law for sure !
Probbly police/emergency people will be exempt!
As for CB radio's I don't think they were mentioning them at all but not sure !
But even cell phones are help full and very use full in an emergency!
But its those texting/calling freaks that they are trying to crack down on as they cause way too many crashes . | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/5/2009 10:55:26 PM | So does this new law cover CB radio's in big rigs?I mean they have been using these radio's for decades and without a whole lot of problems....they can actually be very helpful.....
The law will cover CB radios in commercial vehicles and Ham radios in vehicles operated by licensed Ham operators. However, for these applications the law provides a three year implementation delay in order to give them time to update their equipment to hands-free radio gear.
and what about the police officers that are driving along punching information into their in car computers,are they going to be banned?Or is this going to be another double standard law?
Cops and other emergency services will still be able to use cell phones and two-way radio gear in their vehicles as needed to perform their duties. They will also be permitted to continue using their in-car data display terminals.
There's no double standard here. The nature of their work makes this necessary and unavoidable. Even the general public is allowed to use non-hands-free phone and radio gear to contact help in real emergency situations.
It's just a matter of balancing evils - when you're at the wheel, your hands and eyes really should be engaged in the act of driving over and above everything else. These days though, it seems that many people seem to think that the driving is secondary to their phone calls and other electronic toys. Hopefully this new law helps to change that attitude. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/6/2009 6:03:41 AM | Well, I don't have a licence, let alone a vehicle, why, I have no desire to immurse myself into an area of society, where people think it's optional to be considerate, don't use turn signals, are overly aggressive and sometimes downright dangerous behind the wheel.
As a pedestrian, I applaude the law, why, because I can't count the number of times some idiot, (Sorry Ladies) usually a thoughtless woman, has almost ran me over, turning the corner, yaking on a cellphone. I'm still expecting to get hit by some idiot driver talking on the cell phone. That driver will be funding my retirement planning, when I sue him/her ! So anyway I applaud the law from a public safety point of view. | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/9/2009 11:41:48 AM | Hey Paul its not the stupid drivers talking on cell phones I am worried about .
Its you dummies with the ipods and cell phones rocking while your walking the streets.
Many times I have almost collected a couple of you on my hood because youre not paying attention also when crossing the streets. LOL
But yep them cell ph0ne talkers who drive will get you one of these days !hahaha
Just hope they have good insurance when they do !LOL | |
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| New Cell Phone /PDA's/GPS Laws!
Posted: 10/9/2009 2:08:48 PM | Hey Paul its not the stupid drivers talking on cell phones I am worried about .
Its you dummies with the ipods and cell phones rocking while your walking the streets.
I won't be popular saying this but I actually agree with the OP it is beyond fuking ridiculous I was down town a week ago and 80% of the people I saw driving walking standing on the corner were either yacking on their cell phone turning a corner or texting like mad.
a few weeks before that I kicked two kids out of a movie theater I went too that started texting in the beginning of the movie.
I didn't pay 50 bucks for me and my date to watch two peckerheads text while I was trying to watch the movie.  | |
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