Cellphones, driving don't mix: Moncton councillor

A Moncton city councillor has added his voice to the call for a provincial ban on the use of cellphones while driving.

Pierre Boudreau decided to speak publicly on the issue after his daughter was involved in an accident last month. She was stopped at a red light when a car slammed into her vehicle. The other driver was texting at the time, according to Boudreau, who still gets emotional talking about what happened.

The incident has strengthened his conviction that cellphones and driving do not mix, he said.

"Using a cellphone or texting while you're operating a one- or two-tonne vehicle at any speed is an idiotic thing to do and it puts your life and the life of others in jeopardy," he said

In July, Fredericton Coun. David Kelly called on New Brunswick to follow the lead of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec in banning cellphone use by drivers. He also suggested possibly extending the ban to include other electronic devices.

"I'd be very, very disappointed if action isn't taken before Christmas on this issue." — Moncton Coun. Pierre Boudreau

The Department of Public Safety is studying the issue and looking at what other jurisdictions are doing, said Minister John Foran.

"It's one of our items that's in our hopper, I guess you would call it, but it's not something that's moving forward any time soon," he said.

For now, the province is concentrating on public education and awareness, said Foran.

Boudreau contends a ban should be put in place quickly, before more people are hurt or killed.

"I'd be very, very disappointed if action isn't taken before Christmas on this issue.  If not, I feel compelled to state that the government is irresponsible," he said.

The provincial government has a responsibility to make a decision based on public safety, even if it's not popular with everyone, he added.