http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/

Corpo Media - Index

Corpo Media - Travel Booklet - Index

STILL AN ISSUE…
NO MORE HAND-HELD
CELLPHONES!
Driving requires attention and concentration, since, on the road, you must
react to the unexpected. Even the slightest distraction can be fatal, which is
why using a hand-held cellphone has been prohibited since April 1, 2008.
It’s been proven… driving while you’re making a
call increases the risks of having an accident.
• You take more time to brake when faced
with a critical situation.
• You have more problems driving straight,
avoiding obstacles and keeping a safe distance
from other vehicles.
• You are less aware of your surroundings.
• Your visual field is reduced.
• You could, in the heat of the moment, run a
red light or stop sign.
Basically, you are IN danger and…
you are A danger!
A LAW THAT DOESN’T
MINCE WORDS
When you drive, using a held-held cellphone
could result in a fine of $115 and 3 demerit
points. As well:
• If you hold a cellphone in your hand, regardless
of the reason, you are assumed to be
using it.
• If you are waiting for a red light or are stuck
in traffic, you are still considered to be driving.
• The law also covers all devices that could be
connected to a telephone network (e.g. a
BlackBerry, a cellular with a CB or pushto-talk
function, etc.).
SOME TIPS
• Turn off your cellphone and let your
voice mail take your calls.
• If you need to make a call, go to
a safe area, such as a parking lot,
a service area or the shoulder of
a road with a speed limit under
70 km/h.
• Ask a passenger to call or answer a call for you.
64
CAUTION WITH HANDS FREE
If your cellphone has a hands-free function,
you can use it. But careful! Hands-free cellphones
are not risk-free. The telephone conversation
itself, more so than holding a phone,
is what affects our concentration. Are you really
in such a rush to negotiate when your teen
goes out, to reserve a hotel for a trip or to settle
a dispute with your boss?
Simplify your life… don’t talk on the phone
while at the wheel!
DID YOU KNOW…?
According to a recent study, a driver using a cellphone
has a 38% greater risk of being in an
accident.