Ont. to study ban on cellphones while driving

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has changed his mind about a ban on using hand-held cellphones while driving.

Previously the premier said such a ban wasn't necessary, but on Monday he said he has asked the transportation minister to look into banning cellphone use by drivers, and perhaps more.

Three provinces already ban the use of handheld cellphones when you're behind the wheel: Nova Scotia, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

McGuinty says he sees the problem as being broader than just cellphones.

Drivers, he said, are also using GPS units and text messaging — and there are probably gadgets coming in the future he hasn't even thought about.

"I have asked [Transportation Minister Jim] Bradley to see if there is [anything] we might do [about], I call it the next generation, which deals with distractors in general and I think in particular, electronic distractors," said McGuinty.

Conservative John O'Toole, who has pushed for a cellphone ban with a number of private member's bills over the years, welcomed McGuinty's change of heart.

O'Toole says there should not be a fine for first-time offenders.  Instead, he suggests "a mandatory course to learn about how you're putting yourself and others at risk."

A spokesperson for the transportation minister could not say how long the review will take.