Police say cellphone ban has made roads safer

Police in two Atlantic provinces that have cellphone bans in place say the legislation has made their roads safer.

This spring, New Brunswick will have a similar ban.

Officials in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia both say enforcement has been fairly easy and they've issued thousands of tickets.

Newfoundland and Labrador was the first province to introduce a ban in 2003.

Const. Suzanne FitzGerald with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said it's been relatively easy to enforce.

"The only thing a police officer has to have in order to issue a summary offence ticket for this violation is to visually observe an individual holding or using a handheld wireless communication device," said Fitzgerald.

She believes the ban has made roads in her province safer for everyone.

FitzGerald said if citizens spot someone on the phone while driving, they can contact police.

Nova Scotia issues thousands of tickets

Nova Scotia brought in its cellphone ban in April 2008.

Provincial officials have issued close to 8,000 tickets since then.

Cpl. Ron MacDonald, with the Nova Scotia RCMP, said people who violate the law are easy for police to spot on the road.

"You can see them, they're not paying attention, they're not signaling, they're not staying properly in their lane, it's just a real dangerous situation," said MacDonald.

MacDonald said people usually just pay the fine. If they appeal it, he said the courts look at the evidence and generally uphold the ticket.

FitzGerald said education and awareness have also helped reduce the number of distracted driving-related accidents.

She said police often receive tips from drivers about others seen breaking the law.

If New Brunswick drivers are caught talking, texting or using GPS systems on their hand held device, it will cost them three demerit points on their licence and a fine of $172.50.

The New Brunswick government passedthe new law in December and it's expected to come into force this spring, following a public education campaign.

New Brunswick is one of the last provinces to impose restrictions on the use of cellphones while driving.