FG wants ban on drivers using mobile phones

Fine Gael has called on the Government to support draft legislation banning motorists from using hand-held mobile phones while driving.

The party is to present its Private Members' Road Traffic (Mobile Telephony) Bill in the Dáil this evening.

Fine Gael transport spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell said the laws needed to be changed because the use of mobile phones was a major driver distraction. There was evidence, she said, that use of phones was a direct cause or a contributory factor in a significant number of accidents.

"The only effective way to end this dangerous activity is through tough legislation. . . . There is enough international evidence to merit urgent and decisive action to end the practice of using handheld mobile phones while driving."

"Even without research evidence, the evidence of our own eyes can tell us that not only is the practice of handheld mobile phone usage widespread, but the potentially dangerous use particularly by van and truck drivers is commonplace," Ms Mitchell said.

"It is hardly necessary to highlight the potential damage a heavy vehicle can do when the driver is distracted by a call and also not in full control of the vehicle by virtue of the necessity to remove one hand from the wheel to actually hold the phone."

Ms Mitchell cited a report in the British Medical Journalfound that drivers using a mobile phone were four times as likely to have a serious crash.

Under the bill, it would be an offence to hold a mobile phone while driving, punishable by a €80 fine and two penalty points.

The emergency services and the gardaí  would be exempted in order to allow them to use essential communications equipment. Motorists would also be permitted to call the emergency services on a hand-held phone in the event of a genuine emergency.

Hands-free mobile phones, blue-tooth or earpieces, which would be difficult for gardaí to detect, would still be allowed. Passengers would also be allowed to use phones unless their were supervising a learner driver.

Ms Mitchell also called for a driver education campaign to increase awareness of the danger of engaging in distracting activities while driving like drinking coffee or changing a CD.