Cell phones in traffic

NEW YORK seems set to become the first state in America to impose a ban on the use of hand-held cellular phones while operating a vehicle. And since the leading state official, Governor George Pataki has been a proponent of the ban, he is expected to sign it into law promptly.

The move is apparently based on sound evidence that these devices when used while driving have resulted in many accidents. For instance, a leading entertainment personality is even now recuperating in hospital following a near-death experience caused when the driver of the vehicle in which she was travelling, distracted by the use of the phone, got into an accident.

In Jamaica, the use of cell phones while driving has become a virtual epidemic, as much perhaps for purposes of ostentation as of necessity. Drivers have been observed negotiating dangerous curves while engrossed in conversation. Even bicycle riders have been known to do the same!

In recent years, we have adopted many of the traffic measures of the USA: The seat-belt regulation and the breathalyser are two of the most noteworthy. Few can contend that these measures have not helped to save lives and minimise injuries in traffic accidents; in the case of the breatha-lyser, there is little doubt that it has kept potential fatalities off the road. It is distressing to hear, however, as the Sunday Gleaner reported two weeks ago, that this system has broken down.

We think it is time to look to America once again for a precedent in dealing with a serious traffic problem. As a necessary first step it might be desirable that police investigators of road accidents try to determine when the use of these mobile phones is a factor. Such statistics should greatly assist law-makers in making the case for the introduction of regulations; though it should be clear already that talking on the phone while driving is an added road hazard.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.

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