It will be illegal for New Zealand drivers to talk or send text messages on handheld mobile phones while driving from November 1, 2009. Drivers using hand held mobile phone and smartphone devices would be liable for an $80 fine and 20 demerit points.
According to statistics, there were 25 fatal crashes and 482 injury crashes between 2003 and 2008 where the use of a mobile device was a factor.
The ban will not cover hands-free devices or two-way radio, and there will be an exemption for 111 calls made in emergency situations. Transport Minister Mr Stephen Joyce said the excemption for hands-free devices was necessary because many business and trades people depended on them for work.
Below are Common Sense Safety Tips for keeping both hands on the wheel and two eyes on the road:
1. Trial Run
Practice using your new handsfree car kit or Bluetooth headset toegther before you drive. Familiarise yourself with the controls. Adjust the microphone on your headset, the volume on your car kit, check the connectivity settings on your mobile and stow the phone so it's completely out of the way.
2. Be Prepared
Programme all of your frequently called numbers into your phone. These should include your boss, your kids, and even your favourite fast food places. And don't forget about voice dialing; most mobile phones offer this feature - so use it as much as possible.
3. Set Up for Success
Just as you check your rearview mirror and secure your seatbelt before driving, be sure to put your headset on or engage your car kit, and ensure it's connected properly to your phone, before you turn the key.
4. Driving Comes First
Remember your first priority is driving. You should only make and receive calls when it is absolutely necessary.
5. Comfort is King!
Heads and ears come in all shapes and sizes, so what fits your friend may not fit you. Take time to find a handsfree solution that works best for you.
Please Note: Orb Communications recognises that there are occasions when driving circumstances make talking on a mobile - hand held or handsfree - unsafe. In these circumstances, motorists should pull over or hang up to protect the safety of themsleves, their passengers, and others on the road.
Visit your local Orb store for a full range of handsfree products and solutions. We've got over 10 years experience in helping customers go wireless and while we don't have every handsfree device available, we do know what works best and what doesn't.
Driving while talking or texting on a hend-held mobile can be as dangerous as driving at the legal blood alcohol limit - and it can increase the risk of being involved in an accident by 400%. Here are some tips from the team at MyMobile Magazine - to help keep you safe while on the road:
- Never compose or read text messages and emails while driving
- Don't use a handheld phone; use a hands-free kit instead. You can't dial a number and keep your eyes on the road at the same time.
- Remember that you don't have to answer a call if it's not a good time. Utilise your voicemail service. Relax, enjoy your drive, and check your messages once you've arrived.
- If you receive a call in heavy traffic, or if driving condiions are bad, phone back when conditions are better.
- If there's a passenger with you in the car, ask them to answer the call and take a message for you.
- Always keep calls short and use your phone sparingly
- Before making an outbound call, stop on the side of the road (but not at the side of the motorway - take the nearest exit), or pull into a side street or carpark and give your caller your full attention.
- When upgrading your phone choose a mobile that offers hands-free and/or voice activation
- Avoid stressful calls. A difficult call is distracting even with a hands-free device. Explain that you are driving and you'll call back
- Don't ever try and access schedules or contact lists while driving. A lack of concentration even for a brief period is dangerous. At 50Km/h, a car will travel 14 metres in just one second.
