Cellphone-driving ban 'won't stop habit'

Fairfax

EYES ON THE ROAD: Talking and texting on the phone while driving will be banned from November, punishable with an $80 fine.

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A study has suggested the upcoming ban on cellphone use while driving will not make people break the habit, forcing the Government to defend the law.

Talking on the phone while driving will be banned from November, punishable with an $80 fine.

However, a study by Victoria University's School of Information Management suggests people will keep using cellphones.

At least 50 countries including France, Italy, Australia and some US states had banned use of mobiles while driving, senior lecturer Val Hooper said. But she added: "Many drivers from these countries are still using their phones, despite reports about the fatal and often horrific accidents that can occur."

People found it hard to break the habit, she said.

Meanwhile, a proposed ban on imported snow tyres was taking too long, Motor Trade Association spokesman Andy Cuming said yesterday. "They can lead to a dramatic loss of control and death. This was known more than two years ago."

Transport Minister Steven Joyce said work on the snow tyre ban was almost finished, and he hoped to have it in place by early next year.

Although it was expected that some people would defy the cellphone ban, road accidents would still be cut, he said. "There will never be 100 per cent compliance. If there was, no-one would ever be caught speeding."

From 2003 to 2008, 482 injury and 25 fatal crashes were linked to mobile phone or other telecommunications devices.

Dr Hooper said people were four times more likely to crash while using a mobile phone and even using a hands-free kit while driving was dangerous.

- © Fairfax NZ News