Hands-free phones just as risky: psychologist

A leading researcher in the use of cellphones while driving says B.C.'s proposed ban of hand-held devices doesn't go far enough because hands-free phones are just as distracting and dangerous.

B.C. Solicitor General Kash Heed introduced legislation Wednesday to prohibit the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving. Hands-free use of cellphones would be permitted, but only those that can be operated with "one-touch" or through vocal commands.

The intention of the proposed new law, said Heed, is to minimize driver distraction and thereby increase driving safety. But a University of Utah psychology professor says hands-free devices are no less dangerous.

'Hands-free or hand-held, the risk is the same.' —Prof. David Strayer

"Talking on a cellphone, either hand-held or hands-free, causes something called 'inattention blindness,'" David Strayer told CBC News.

"You simply don't process information that's falling on your eyes. It doesn't matter if it's a hands-free or a hand-held cellphone, the risk is the same," Strayer said.

That risk is the same as driving drunk, Strayer said, which means a driver is four times as likely to get in an accident as a sober driver or one not using a cellphone of any kind.

Strayer also said his research has shown that a driver talking with a passenger in a vehicle is not nearly as distracted as one using a cellphone.

"The passenger acts as another set of eyes and says, 'Hey, watch out for this,' or, 'Hey, here's your exit,'" Strayer said.

Stiffer restrictions could be imposed

Heed said the province will consider stiffer regulations if the number of traffic accidents does not decrease.

"If this is not working, we will look at more restrictive measures," Heed told reporters. "But we think this is a good starting point."

Heed said B.C.'s proposed law is more comprehensive than those enacted by other provinces. Operating or holding an MP3, iPod or any similar electronic device while driving will also be illegal, as will manually adjusting a GPS, or global positioning system.

Those who are classified as drivers in the "learner" or "novice" stage of the province's graduated licensing program would be barred from using even hands-free cellphones when behind the wheel under the proposed legislation.

Novice drivers are those who have 12 months of prohibition-free driving at the "learner" stage and have passed the first of two road tests.

The changes are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 if the bill is passed by the B.C. legislature.

A $167 fine will begin to be levied as of Feb. 1, 2010. If drivers are caught texting or emailing, they will also receive three penalty points on their driving records.

Drivers in the graduated licensing program would receive the $167 fine and three penalty points for any violation of the legislation.

According to independent research and studies, cellphone use while driving is the No. 1 cause of distracted driving, the Solicitor General's Ministry said in a release about Heed's bill.

On average, 117 people die each year in B.C. and 1,400 are sent to hospital because someone was not paying attention behind the wheel, the release said.

The changes bring British Columbia in line with Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Alberta recently announced it intends to introduce similar distracted-driving legislation this fall.