2006-06-15
Author: Randell Mauricio
The Canadian Automobile Association feels novice drivers shouldn't be using cell phones while driving.  

That's why they're pushing the provincial government to enforce a restriction, saying it's a distraction to the driving task.  

Spokesperson Jeanie Dalman points out a lot can happen when a vehicle is traveling at 50 kilo-metres an hour -- one second translates to 14 metres.  She also has statistics to support their case -- a recent study shows 80 percent of crashes are due to some form of distraction.  

A high school drivers ed teacher agrees with Dalman and even compares the cell phone distraction to impairment.  

Mick Cochrane feels hands-free devices are just as dangerous, he's also a strong believer drivers should be pulling over when engaging in telecommunication.