The Honourable Jim Bradley
Minister of Transportation

Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act, 2008 – Introduction House Statement

Legislature Building, Queen's Park, Toronto

October 28, 2008

Speaker, I rise in the House today to address the legislature about a significant public safety issue.

Research tells us that drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash than a driver who is focused on the road.

Drivers who are busy text messaging, emailing, dialing or talking on their cell phones are too preoccupied to properly drive their cars.

Transport Canada tells us driver distraction is a contributing factor in about 20 per cent of all collisions in this country.

A recent Ontario Medical Association study urged the government to take action to address driving while using a cell phone.

Around the world, approximately 50 countries — such as Australia and the United Kingdom — have banned the use of cell phones by drivers, unless using them hands-free.

In the United States, there are bans in California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and Washington.

In Canada, similar bans already exist in Nova Scotia, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

We know these new technologies have created some tremendous conveniences. But we know something else. Deep down, we all know it is dangerous to use them while driving.

In the past, the McGuinty government has taken tough action to deal with drivers who continue to drink and drive, and those who think our roads are meant for street racing.

Today, I am asking you to take another important step to save lives, prevent injuries, and help keep our communities safe.

The legislation I am introducing today, will, if passed fight driver distraction by banning text messaging, emailing, dialing and chatting on hand-held cell phones and other electronic entertainment devices while driving.

Anyone who chooses to break this law would face a fine of up to $500.

We are also proposing to broaden the current ban on televisions that are visible to the driver to include other devices with display screens such as DVD players.

That does not mean that other distractions are not important. Drivers must take extreme care when doing anything, including using hands-free devices, that will divide their attention from the task of driving – even for an instant.

Drivers who do not focus on the task of driving should not be driving. Those who put others at risk by allowing themselves to become distracted — for any reason — can, and should be, charged with Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act — or even Dangerous Driving, a criminal offence.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to take a tough stand: we need to stop this danger on our roads.

Our “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” Bill could prevent tragedies before they happen.

With the use of cell phones and other hand-held electronic devices on the rise, we must deal with this issue now.

We are not alone in our thinking here, our government has the support of many organizations. Earlier today I was joined by representatives from the Ontario Medical Association, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ontario Safety League…

…and many others who stood beside us as we announced our plans.

Mr. Speaker, innovation in safety and public security has been one of the defining characteristics of this government.

This new legislation could be another part of that agenda of innovation.

We must continue to ensure that we address new risks and hazards as they arise.

As with all of the safety reforms we have introduced, our purpose is clear: it is to preserve and strengthen Ontario's outstanding record of public safety on our roads.

The proposed legislation supports the McGuinty government’s commitment to prevent injury and reduce traffic collisions.

Our government believes that road safety must be a top priority.

Our goal is to keep Ontario’s roads among the safest in the North America.

We must assure the safety of every Ontarian, protect families, keep communities safe, and create better health for Ontarians.

But this bill is about more than safer roads, it is also about cleaner air.

Speaker,you may have noticed that our proposed legislation is entitled, the Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act.

I would like to take a moment to explain to all members the “green” component of this legislation.

Encouraging more Ontarians to carpool is part of Ontario’s plan to reduce harmful emissions, ease traffic congestion and fight climate change. That is why the proposed legislation also includes measures to remove the existing red tape associated with forming carpools in Ontario.

I urge all members to support this bill.

Thank you.