The Road Safety Trust supports Government Consideration of a Hand-held phone ban for vehicle drivers

Media statement. 11 June 2008

The Road Safety Trust welcomes the announcement from Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven today that the Government will consider amending the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 to ban the use of hand held mobile phones while driving a vehicle.

The Trust has recently embarked on a pilot advertising campaign to help raise public awareness of the issue of distractions while driving.  Use of hand held mobile phones while driving a vehicle is seen as a growing road safety risk.

“Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving increases a driver’s risk of being involved in a crash by up to four times” Chair Yvonne Sharp said.

Mobile phones differ from other driver distractions such as the radio or talking to a passenger because of the frequency and nature of the interaction required.

Other distractions such as talking to passengers, eating or smoking can be modified during demanding traffic situations.

For example, passengers are aware of the road environment and will generally stop talking during a dangerous driving situation, allowing the driver to concentrate fully. A person on the other end of a mobile phone, however, is not aware of any potential hazards and will often continue to talk, distracting the driver at critical moments.

The Trust encourages all interested parties to participate in the public consultation of the Rule that is scheduled to be released in July 2008.

Media contact: Leonie Corrigan 04 894 6372 or 021 0562 566.

Last updated: 19 June 2008