Turn off the cellphone and drive safely

I have a tale to tattle. People are still driving and using hand-held cell phones.

How do I know? I’ve seen them. Everywhere.

I was off for a couple of days last week and toured the county, ran some errands, cleaned the basement, cut some wood. The usual stuff that people do when they have free time and the inclination to use it wisely.

The break also afforded the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and although things look good from a spring-has-sprung standpoint, I’m less enthused about the persistence of hand-held cell phone use.

I witnessed a number of instances on the highway, a couple in and around the rural roads and very, very few infractions in town, meaning Wolfville, New Minas and Kentville. My guess is the prohibitive fines have persuaded people to knock it off in more urban environs, where there’s a visible and frequent police presence.

On the 101, though, and through the back roads, I suspect folks feel more comfortable rolling the dice. The chances of confronting a cop are slimmer and there is perhaps a false sense of security should the phone ring in the car.

It brings up the issue of enforceability, which has been on my mind since the new law banning hand-held cell phone use in cars in this province was enacted April 1.

Most people know how totally overworked police officers are. Individual caseloads are ridiculous and officers have to run just to catch up in a metaphoric sense when it comes to matching the demand. So when it comes priority – in other words, are they out there actively pursuing those who contravene the cell phone law? – my guess is it’s small potatoes.

However, will officers hesitate to put down the hammer should they find anyone yakking on a cell phone while driving? Not a chance.

Maybe I’m making too big a deal over this, but I’ve always held that the law’s the law, no matter if it’s jaywalking or a home invasion. If you believe it doesn’t apply, for whatever reason, you’ve breached the social contract and there’s a price to be paid.

Stiff fines are one thing, but the true consequence is the potential fatal impact and aftermath for those left to grieve of a car accident caused by driver inattention. We’ve seen too many of these, most of which happen in a split-second and can’t be averted once they unfold. There just isn’t enough time and no one has the power to correct a vehicle once it has gone awry. The laws of physics simply don’t allow for much and a second’s distraction could be deadly.

The driver with the phone could be killed or maimed, as could those he or she hits. And for what? A grocery list that could be communicated on a voice-mail? A reminder to pick up the kids at ball practice? A business call that couldn’t wait?

I shudder every time we get a report of a car crash and wonder in each instance if something – anything – could’ve been done to avert it. In some instances, the answer is no.

In a great many, however, it’s yes. Turning off the phone while you’re driving is one more thing we can do to keep our roads safe. Think about it.