Saskatchewan banning cell phone use while driving

Saskatchewan's legislature has banned drivers from talking on cellphones that aren't the hands-free kind.

On Wednesday, MLAs voted to pass the law that will take effect on Jan. 1.

In addition to the ban on handheld cell use, the law prohibits drivers from texting, emailing or surfing the internet using phones or similar devices.

The government said it wanted the law passed because distracted driving is a serious road safety issue. About one in four accidents are caused by distractions, the province says.

While experienced drivers will be allowed to use hands-free devices while driving, new drivers — those in the province's graduated driver's licensing program — are banned from using any kind of cellphone on the road.

The penalty is $280, which includes a victims' surcharge of $60. Breaking the law also means four demerit points. Accumulating demerit points can make it more expensive for drivers to renew their insurance.

Drivers making emergency 911 calls will be exempt from the new rules.

Saskatchewan MLAs also pass legislation Wednesday that moves Saskatchewan toward a five-year driver's licence from the current one-year licence. That law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2011.

anyone with a black berry should get vlingo. So awesome! You just talk and it writes emails and texts for you with out typing it out.

yeah that sort of like what sasktel has for voicemail... pretty sweet technology

This is stupid. We don't need a no phones law we need to make use of the laws in place. Cell phones are not the only distraction, how about iPods or eating or putting on makeup. All are as bad a distraction as cell phones. Driving with undue care and attention. This covers everything including cellphones. This new law is a waste of resources and a way for cops to assert their authority.

"your getting a ticket for being on your phone son"

"no officer I was changing the song on my iPod"

"oh well in that case undue care and attention, have a nice day"

Soup wrote:

While experienced drivers will be allowed to use hands-free devices while driving, new drivers — those in the province's graduated driver's licensing program — are banned from using any kind of cellphone on the road.

Old people texting/calling while driving = collisions.

Adam also wanted to let everyone know about the drive safe app on Blackberry's that actually reads your texts out loud for you.

Although holding your phone is illegal hands free devices are still legal. I would personally recommend the blueant1 visor clip device.


.... I hate my life.

1eightySX wrote:

Adam also wanted to let everyone know about the drive safe app on Blackberry's that actually reads your texts out loud for you.

Although holding your phone is illegal hands free devices are still legal. I would personally recommend the blueant1 visor clip device.


.... I hate my life.

bhahahaha, it cant be that bad Ryan, who would inform me of such technological advances in hands free hardware? ....lol

ill prob pick one up for my BB before your done there Ryan, preferably around late winter/spring

Have you upgraded the software on your storm yet?

1eightySX wrote:

Have you upgraded the software on your storm yet?

lol nope, i cant find my USB cord for my storm

K come see me after your done work, I'll get one.

I am at Quance... I will put the drifting on that I have recorded

1eightySX wrote:

K come see me after your done work, I'll get one.

I am at Quance... I will put the drifting on that I have recorded

get me a cord or install the upgrades for me....

yeah I can do that just come in.

1eightySX wrote:

yeah I can do that just come in.

ok where is it on quance?

this is gonna be stupid. your gonna see me driving around with my headphones in , and when ever someone calls, i will have to talk to them threw my headphones.

raboyto2 wrote:

this is gonna be stupid. your gonna see me driving around with my headphones in , and when ever someone calls, i will have to talk to them threw my headphones.

same

Best law ever, too many cell phone talking/texting idiots in Saskatchewan, save a life don't talk on your cell phone while driving

i honestly dont think talking on a cell is that big of a deal unless your retarded but texting is pretty dangerous

jdm_itr wrote:

i honestly dont think talking on a cell is that big of a deal unless your retarded but texting is pretty dangerous

You've found the problem.....

i guess or unless your a woman
i have no issue driving and talking i dont find it distracts me but like texting is kinda sketchy

I feel as though texting while driving actually improves and makes me more alert of a driver, I am willing to prove myth busters wrong.

if you have a camera phone, turn on the camera and watch the screen while driving, but dont look up. Its like living in a video game...so cool.