Cellphone ban while driving in effect Oct. 26

DOUGLAS C. PIZAC/AP

Published studies have concluded that drivers are five times more likely to be involved in an accident if they use a cellphone while driving.

Tess Kalinowski

TRANSPORTATION REPORTER

Ontario's new rules prohibiting cellphone use while driving will go into effect Oct. 26, the government announced.

But it will be Feb. 1 before drivers will be fined up to $500 for chatting, dialing, texting or emailing on hand-held devices.

A three-month education period will preceed the enforcement, according to a government release issued Wednesday.

Drivers are four times more likely to crash if they're using a cellphone and dialing and texting is even more dangerous.

"It is not safe to be texting, emailing or dialing a phone when you are driving a vehicle. Now it is also illegal," said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley in a news release.

Emergency services workers, including police, paramedics and firefighters will be exempt from the hand-held ban and drivers will be allowed to use their hand-held phones to call 911.

People under 35 are most guilty of using their phones and BlackBerries while driving.

Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador already have distracted driving legislation.

"This is probably the best piece of legislation to deal with this issue in the country," said Brian Patterson, head of the Ontario Safety League.

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