Safety expert gives thumbs up to cellphone ban

A leading road safety campaigner has praised the government’s proposed ban on handheld cellphones, but says that the ban has to be backed up with action.

Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of the car buyer’s Dog & Lemon Guide believes the police should have the power to seize cellphones being used by drivers while a car is in motion.

“Simply banning cellphones won’t work because many users are prepared to risk a fine rather than miss a call”. “However”, says Matthew- Wilson, “most cellphone users would hate to lose their cellphone and this fear will eventually modify their behaviour”.

“Cellphone use by drivers is banned in about fifty countries, yet drivers continue to use their cellphones regardless. Clearly, we need to move beyond simply giving drivers tickets to taking their cellphones away.”

Under Matthew-Wilson’s proposal, the police would have the discretion to return the cellphone after a few days. Repeat offenders would lose their cellphones altogether.

“What cars and cellphones have in common is that they give us freedom. Take away that freedom and you give drivers a powerful incentive to modify their behaviour.”

ENDS

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