Sask. to ban texting, cellphone use while driving

Concerned about safety on the roads, the Saskatchewan government says itplans toban texting and handheld cellphone use while driving.

Legislation couldbe introducedas soon as thisfall, Premier Brad Wall said Tuesday.

"Given the very compelling numbers, the danger that we know that it is, the increased risk of accident, I think it's something we need to look at carefully and potentially bring legislation forward this fall," Wall said.

The move comes a day after Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill called for a ban on cellphone use by people operating motor vehicles. Weighill said there are just too many accidents where cell phone use is a contributing factor.

Other provinces, including Nova Scotia, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, have already brought in similar bans.

Officials in those provinces have expressed concerns that texting and talking on cellphones is dangerous.