Texting or talking while driving is to be made illegal

BY MATT CALMAN

Drivers caught texting or talking on hand-held cellphones will soon be fined $80, but campaigners say better education on the dangers is the only way to reduce road deaths.

From November 1, drivers will not be allowed to use a hand-held cellphone or text while driving. The ban is among 23 changes to road-user rules coming into force then.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce said hand-held cellphone use had become a significant problem.

Between 2003 and 2008, 25 fatal accidents and nearly 500 crashes resulting in injury had been caused at least in part by cellphone use.

Those caught breaking the rules will be fined $80 and receive 20 demerit points.

Sisters Lucy, 18, and Isabelle Simon, 15, died in a crash near Levin two years ago after Lucy, the driver, lost control while answering a text.

Their mother, Anne McCabe, welcomed the ban but said education programmes to change attitudes were vital to its success. "You've just got to keep banging away and hope like hell something gets through.

"My daughter was a great driver and a fantastic texter and she could do all those things at the same time, but guess what? You can't."

The Government backed off banning use of hands-free cellphones and two-way radios, largely to protect the livelihoods of business and tradespeople.

Wellington road policing boss Richard Hocken said everyone seen breaking the law would be ticketed.

Police National Headquarters spokesman Grant Ogilvie said in theory the enforcement could extend to drivers seen using a cellphone in speed camera photos. "In practice, all I can say is it's all totally dependent on there being a clear enough picture."

TOP 10 CHANGES

* Talking on a hand-held cellphone or texting while driving will be banned.

* Mobility scooter riders and users of wheeled recreational devices will have the same obligations as pedestrians to observe crossing rules, and also the same rights.

* Moped riders and motorcyclists will have to turn on their headlights during the day.

* Drivers will have to give way to pedestrians who are obviously waiting to cross at a pedestrian crossing. Currently, drivers are required only to give way to pedestrians who are on a pedestrian crossing.

* Customs and fisheries officers to have blue beacons on vehicles to "clearly demonstrate their authority" to pull drivers over.

* Cyclists will be able to make a safer "hook turn" when turning right at busy intersections.

* Delivery people will be allowed to ride mopeds or motorcycles on the footpath to pop items in letterboxes but no faster than 10kmh.

* The maximum speed for towing a vehicle with a non-rigid towing connection (such as a tow rope) will be 50kmh.

* Seatbelts will not only have to be "securely fastened" but put on properly also.

* Rules will be clarified for the use of shared pedestrian/cycle paths. All users will have to use the paths in a way that does not present a hazard to others. Where signs or markings give priority to either pedestrians or cyclists, users without priority must give way.

ON THE BUSES

It sounds ridiculous, but soon buses will be legally allowed to stop at bus stops.

And, yes, you read that correctly.

For the past five years, a badly worded road rule has made it illegal for buses to stop at bus stops. Fortunately, it was never enforced.

The new rule makes buses exempt, letting common sense reign.

- © Fairfax NZ News