Distracted driving law needed in N.B.: Graham

New Brunswick needs a comprehensive law that would crack down on driver distractions, according to Liberal Leader Shawn Graham.

Graham was responding on Wednesday to an accident that happened near Fredericton on Monday that killed Dwayne Sommerville, 19, who went off the road after he was texting and driving.

The Liberal leader said the RCMP has powers to fine people who are distracted while driving, but added a broader law needs to be put in place to keep the driving public safe.

"In a new Liberal government mandate, there will be a comprehensive piece of legislation to deal with texting, to deal with cellphones while driving and a number of other distractions that can occur behind the wheel," Graham said.

Graham was asked during a campaign stop in Dieppe whether he believed the provincial government should implement a ban on texting or talking on cellphones while driving.

In January, Public Safety Minister John Foran said his department was considering distracted driving legislation.

The Progressive Conservatives have already said if they're elected in the Sept. 27 election, they'll introduce the legislation.

Family hopeful

RCMP Sgt. Dave Vautour said the Sommerville family is hoping other people learn from their son's accident.

New Brunswick is one of two provinces that still allow hand-held cellphone use while driving.

Vautour would not be drawn into the debate over whether New Brunswick should have a cellphone ban but said it is dangerous for people to be driving and using their mobile devices.

"It's really the RCMP's role to be a service provider for the public, it's not really our role to influence legislation, or to advocate for legislation," Vautour said.

"However, it is our role to enforce or support any legislation that exists. Certainly, we would support anything that provides for a safer roadway."

There was one passenger with Sommerville at the time of the accident.

The passenger was taken to a hospital in Waterville, N.B., with non-life threatening injuries.