My Wet Coast Life

Link: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2009PSSG0046-000801.htm

After being cut off yesterday by 2 drivers not paying attention as they were chatting on their cell and forgot to shoulder check and another blatantly running a red light this morning while chatting away, i am all for the cell phone ban in BC.

Why ban this great digital leash?? Watch this and you'll see why

As of January 1st, 2010, drivers in British Columbia can only use hands-free cellphones and devices that require just one touch to activate. They have a grace period till the end of the month. Now this law make sense and is needed as a lot of Vancouverites cannot drive in the first place and using a cell while driving only compounds the craptacular skillz some of the locals have. Everyday, i see some Darwinian candidate going for the gold medal and the Olympics aren't even here yet.

BTW, If you are a NEW drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (ones with big green "N"), you get the joys of a full ban on all cellphone and electronic devices, including hands-free and i agree with that rule. They need to learn to drive first before they add distractions.

Follow up:

So as of February 1st, they will be enforcing this new law and if you are caught making a call, you now face a $167 fine (How they come up with that number i have no clue). If you are texting or emailing, you can add three penalty points to that fine.

Now to avoid the fine, either use a hands free kit (It costs a lot less than the fine) or just pull over (when safe to do so and in a safe place for you slow people) if no hands free available.

If you have read this far, you are now aware of the rules and hopefully, the gray matter between your ears has absorbed enough to make some sense and abide.

Now if only they can make a law to penalize the idiots who read newspapers, books, brush teeth or do general office duties while cruising at 100K in heavy rain....Well, if the first video didn't make you think twice about using your cell, texting, emailing or doing anything other than DRIVING when driving (cool concept that makes logical sense), maybe this vid can shock you into thinking twice...

UPDATE Feb 1st, 2010: Grace period is now over and ban is now in full effect.

Now I wonder if my commute is gonna be any safer? Only time will tell...