Mobile UPI  |   About UPI  |   UPI en Español  |   UPI Arabic  |   UPIU  |   My Account
Search:
Go

Sask. bans cellphones while driving

|
|
 
  
Published: Nov. 26, 2009 at 12:14 AM

REGINA, Saskatchewan, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Lawmakers in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan voted Wednesday to ban the use of hand-held cellphones by motorists.

The measure, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010, not only outlaws talking on hand-held cellphones and similar devices while driving, it also makes it illegal to text, e-mail or surf the Internet on them, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Provincial officials said the measure was needed because the high-tech communication devices distract drivers, and distractions cause a quarter of all accidents.

While experienced drivers will be allowed to use hands-free devices while driving, that practice will also be banned for new drivers under the new law, the CBC said.

Violators will be dinged for $280 plus four demerit points.

There is an exception, however, for emergency 911 calls.

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Order reprints
  
Join the conversation
Most Popular Collections
The Tibetan Moniam Festival in China Super Bowl XLVI ticker tape victory parade The making of the Oscars
The Chicago Auto Show The Most Desirable Women of 2012 Tu Bishvat Migron settlement
Additional World News Stories
1 of 21
President Obama Signs Smuggling Prevention Act at White House
View Caption
fark
If we timewarped back by 2000 years, what job would you most qualified to do? No, you can't bring...
BAD: getting caught in a landslide while hiking. WORSE: getting struck by lightning while trying...
Weepy eyes, hot chix, Jersey Shore Ronnie and a guy with mini fishing reels stuck in his beard....
French roadbuilders find 21 German WWI soldiers...and 1 goat
Photoshop this crazy old coot in the cold
Anonymous ends the week by bringing down the CIA webpage. *golf clap*