P.E.I. readying for possible cellphone driving ban

Transportation Minister Ron MacKinley is preparing legislation banning the use of hand-held cellphones while driving, in anticipation of a legislative committee's recommendation.

'I'm not going to impose [a ban] unless the committee recommends it.' — Transportation Minister Ron MacKinley

"I'm maybe, sort of, projecting what the committee will recommend, so I want to be ready for them," MacKinley told CBC News Monday.

MacKinley said he expects a legislative committee holding hearings on the issue to consider all kind of opinions this fall, and that his preparing of legislation does not mean he has already made up his mind.

"I'm not going to impose it unless the committee recommends it," said MacKinley.

He said if the committee recommends a ban on hand-held cellphones this fall, the new law could come into effect soon after.

He also said he uses a hands-free cellphone in his own car and feels he can drive safely while using it.

Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec have all banned hand-held cellphones for drivers, while allowing people to use the hands-free devices. Ontario is considering going further, banning all electronic devices.

The Canada Safety Council believes more encompassing legislation is needed, because it says all electronic devices can distract drivers.

"If you ban one type of phone, then the person will say, 'Well I don't have that type of phone, I have this other device, that's not included in the legislation,'" said Raynald Marchand, manager of traffic safety and training.

"You'll be forever having to update your legislation or regulation because it's called something else."

Transport Canada also recommends that people shouldn't use any cellphone while driving.