EDITORIAL: Enforcement of cell phone ban key

WHEN the newly introduced ban on the use of mobile phones whilst driving came on stream early last year, there was some outcry about how it was introduced, but it mostly received strong support from Barbadian drivers.

At present, the Road Traffic Amendment Act prohibits any person from driving a vehicle while at the same time holding, manipulating, talking on, or using a cellular phone, and anyone found guilty of violating this provision of the law faces a $2 000 fine, 18 months in jail or both. In introducing the measure, the previous government said that the amended legislation would address the problem of distracted drivers, particularly those using cellular phones.

Fast forward to the latter part of 2019 and we are now hearing the Royal Barbados Police Force appealing to motorists to be mindful of the ban and to refrain from using their cell phones whilst driving. A representative of the Force from the Traffic Division has meanwhile suggested that a number of rear-end collisions, which have been on the increase as of late, could have likely been caused in part by absent-minded drivers on cell phones.

Now all too often in Barbados, when new laws are introduced, we see their enforcement in the early stages. However, as excitement wanes, it seems that the laws just stay on the books and are enforced willy-nilly. Since the ban, we can be sure that a number of drivers have been on the roads of this country, travelling to and fro, with a phone to their ear, chatting away. The only category of road users perhaps not seen using a mobile phone while in motion, are bicyclists, but it would appear that Barbadians just can’t help themselves when that phone rings and some refuse to follow the law and enable a Bluetooth device in their vehicle to make and take calls.

Yes, one may argue that the police officers often don’t see those law breakers who persist in using their mobile phones without a hands-free device. But that said, law enforcement, whilst it has its hands full with policing matters, must do more to enforce the law, sending the message that the laws of the land are to be taken seriously, especially on our roads, where distracted driving could result in something disastrous taking place.

Clearly the message must be sent that endangering life and limb by using mobile phones whilst driving, is not acceptable. But then again, we seem to only be a nation of talkers when it comes to matters such as this one. Yet we seem appalled when we hear the figures and statistics given annually for accidents taking place on our roads.

Yes, some accidents may be caused by careless drivers and those speeding, but others, from what we are hearing, are caused by distracted drivers who reach for their cell phones while on the road. This is the very thing the law seeks to prevent. Thus, Barbadians must do their part to abide by the laws of the land and if they can’t abide, then they should be held accountable.

Barbados Advocate

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