The Fact of the Matter is:

 

Over 40 countries have restrictions and/or prohibitions on cell phone use while operating a vehicle.

 

Sixty-four per cent of Canadians see using a cell phone while driving as a “serious” or “extremely serious” problem. What’s more, it is estimated that you are 4 times more likely to crash while using a phone. Still, 30% of Canadians admit to using a cell phone while driving, and 19% of motorists confess they text and drive.

 

What does texting affect most about your driving? Your lane positioning and your reaction time.

 

A recent study found that while texting, participants took their eyes off the road for a total of 4.6 seconds out of a 6-second span.

 

Sources:

CBC.ca

CTV.ca

“Distracted Driving Legislation” by Matt Sundeen (International Conference on Distracted Driving, 2005) “Driver Distraction from In-vehicle Telematics Devices: The Public Opinion” by Christina M. Rudin-Brown (International Conference on Distracted Driving, 2005)

 

Links:

Texting and Driving Don't Mix - Toronto Star article by Andrea Gordon

 

Ontario’s Bill 118, The Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act, 2009

 

Ontario’s new law prohibiting the use of hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices while driving came into effect October 26, 2009. Once in place, drivers who text, type, email, dial or chat using any hand-held device will face fines of up to $500 upon conviction. Hands-free use will still be permitted. (Ontario, Ministry of Transportation)