(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada believe people should not be allowed to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 76 per cent of respondents support a federal regulation to ban the use of cell phones while driving.

Several countries forbid drivers from using their cell phones, including Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Poland, and Russia. In Ireland, a third offence can lead to a three-month jail sentence. Four U.S. states—California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York—and the District of Columbia have also enacted total bans.

In February 2001, New Democratic Party (NDP) lawmaker Bill Blaikie introduced a private member's bill in the House of Commons, which sought to make it a crime to drive while talking on a cell phone, except in cases of emergency. The proposal was never put to a vote in Canada's lower house.

Since December 2002, Newfoundland and Labrador has banned the use of cell phones while driving. Motorists in the Canadian province are only allowed to talk on hand-held devices while their vehicles are parked.

Last month, Quebec transport minister Julie Boulet announced she would introduce legislation to ban the use of hand-held cell phones by motorists later this year. Boulet explained the rationale, saying, "We're sending Quebecers a strong message that this is dangerous."

Polling Data

Would you support or oppose a federal regulation to ban the use of cell phones while driving?

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