The talk here in Ontario the past couple weeks is the new law that will take effect in a few days which will prohibit drivers from using any sort of portable device while driving unless it’’s “hands free”. We’re a little late coming out with this law as I know it’s already in effect in some States in the US. I don’t personally own a cell phone, nor do I commute to work. However we do have a shared (you wouldn’t know it) phone that Caron and I take with us whenever we’re out and I have received calls while driving in the past. I fully agree that using any sort of portable device while driving is indeed a distraction, so I don’t have an issue with this new law.

Here’s what’s being said in the local news…

Technology to let drivers use their communications gadgets is flying off local shelves, with Ontario’s tough new law against distracted driving just days away.

Starting Monday, the law will ban use of hand-held wireless devices — from cell phones, to iPods and digital cameras — while driving a vehicle. The only way around the law — which packs $500 fines for drivers who get caught — is to use interface equipment that keeps a driver’s hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Local wireless retailers have seen an explosion in sales of hands-free accessories for wireless devices in recent weeks, and they’re doing their best to keep up with the demand.

“We’re having a hard time keeping them in stock,” says Melissa Raveneck of Kelcom in St.Thomas. “People are hearing more about the cell phone ban through the media and they’re looking to make sure they’re in line with the new laws.”

While Bluetooth headsets have long been popular, consumers are also snapping up a variety of other high-tech, road-friendly gadgets to get ready for the ban.

The Bluesky Bluetooth car kit is an easy-to-install, rear-view mirror with a built-in caller ID, rear speaker and earpiece for private conversation. It works on a battery and has a standby time of more than 168 hours.

Voice-activated navigation systems and visor-mounted speakerphones and are also proving popular.

“Visor mounts are flying off the shelf,” says Raveneck. “They clip to your visor and let you listen to phone calls through the speakers of your car.”

“They’re very user-friendly,” agrees Richard Manuel, owner of The Cellular Centre in London. “People like visor mounts because you don’t have to worry about putting anything in your ear.”

Manuel has seen business increase since the government announced the law. In the last few weeks, he’s been swamped.

“It’s been crazy,” he says. “People are worried about getting tickets. They’re starting to understand that their grace time is ending.”

Mark Jackson, a London customer at The Cellular Centre, has been using a Bluetooth headset for two years and is happy to see the law finally taking effect.

“It’s a good thing, especially if you have children,” says the father of three. “If you’re distracted from the road by your phone, it’s very unsafe.”

While London police won’t fully enforce the new law until Feb. 1, giving drivers time to adjust, they’ll be trying to educate those they pull over about the ban in the meantime, said Sgt. Tom O’Brien.

THE NEW LAW

Takes effect Monday.

Bans use of technology that distracts drivers’ eyes from the road and hands from the wheel.

Fines of up to $500 can be levied.

Police will begin issuing tickets Feb. 1, after a three-month grace period.

source : http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/10/22/11485336-sun.html