Cablegate: Slovenia: Use of Cellphones Prohibited While

VZCZCXYZ0002
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLJ #0042 0561046
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 251046Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY LJUBLJANA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7675
INFO RUEHGV/USMISSION USTR GENEVA 0255
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0301

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000042

SIPDIS

STATE FOR OES/S NANCY CARTER-FOSTER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON SOCI SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA: USE OF CELLPHONES PROHIBITED WHILE
DRIVING

REF: STATE 6703

1. (U) Post delivered ref A demarche on February 5 to Borut
Valencic of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs North America
Division. Valencic advised he would disseminate the
information to the responsible Slovene ministries for
response. Post will provide Department with an update as
soon as we receive the GOS response.

2. (U) There were 262 road accident fatalities in Slovenia in
2006, the most recent year for which statistics are
available. While the GOS does not track whether cellphone
use is a cause behind these accidents, as it does for
alcohol, Slovenia,s 101.3% market penetration of mobile
telephony indicates that many individuals own or use more
than one cell phone. (Note: As Slovenia releases statistics
for road fatalities every three years, more current numbers
will be available after September 2010. End Note.)

3. (U) The Law on Traffic Safety (AVCP-1-UPB4, Uradni List
RS-133/2006, 18.12.2006) regulates the use of mobile
telephonic equipment while driving. In article 72,
paragraph 1, the law prohibits the use of any equipment that
inhibits eyesight or interferes with hearing while driving,
including masks, headphones and cellphones. The
use of cell phones in Slovenia while driving is only
permitted if a hands free device is installed. The penalty
for driving while texting is the same as for not wearing a
seat belt, 120 euros. Despite the fine, it is not uncommon
to observe drivers talking on their cell phones while driving.
FREDEN

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