Last week we saw a study that showed 90% of people support the upcoming Ontario ban of using hand-held devices while driving, otherwise known as Bill 118 the “Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act”.
Today is a new day… and a new day means a new study. RBC Insurance joins the game this time and conducted a study between April 13th and April 17th, 2009 of 876 Ontario drivers. The results found that 58% of Ontario drivers agree that hands-free devices are just as dangerous as hand-held devices and should be included in the new law. 69% believe the Ontario government should also ban drivers from eating while they drive.
– 95% of Ontario drivers agree that driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone is dangerous
– 71% strongly support the proposed law
– 85% of wireless device owners without a hands-free device claim they will abide by the new law
– 57% of drivers between the ages of 18-34 strongly support the legislation
– 72% of drivers between the ages of 35-54 strongly support the legislation
– 83% of drivers over the age of 55 strongly support the legislation.
– 48% will wait until they reach their destination before they e-mail, text or make a call
– 15% indicated that they will continue to use their hand-held device while driving despite the new law
François Boulanger, head, home and auto, RBC General Insurance Company said “It’s clear that many drivers are aware of the risks and are willing to make changes to obey the new law. However, it’s important to remember that all distractions are dangerous and alternatives such as using a headset, earpiece or voice activated device should be used with caution as well.”
When the bill was passed back in April it was informed that if you’re caught using your hand-held it will cost you $500 and if you put others in danger you could be fined up to $1,000, lose six demerit points, have your driver’s licence suspended and possibly serve jail time!
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