Matthew
22-12-2007, 12:18 AM
As you polish off your holiday shopping, you may want to add one more thing to your list: a cell phone earpiece.
Bill 42, which was passed earlier this week prohibits the use of handheld cellular phones while driving as of April 1. Quebec will become the second Canadian province pass such a law, next to Newfoundland.
Daniel Desharnais, a spokesperson for Transport Minister Julie Boulet said the new law means anyone caught holding a cellular phone while driving would face a fine of between $80 to $100 and three demerit points.
"If a police officer see a person driving with a telephone, you'll get a ticket," Desharnais said.
It seems most Montrealers are prepared.
"Of course, I have (a hands-free earpiece)," said Benjamin Thibault, 24, a downtown resident. "I use it all the time in the car. I think it is a really good law because it has been proved you can save lives by banning phones."
Most Montrealers The Gazette talked to today said they either had a hands-free device for their phones, or they were going to purchase one because of the law.
Desharnais said any kind of hands free device would be acceptable. They range from mounted speakers to wireless earpieces. Some cellular phones come with a base-model earpiece. There is also the option of having Bluetooth wireless technology installed into a car, accessible by pressing a button on the dashboard or steering wheel. Drivers speak into a microphone and the voice on the other end comes through the car's stereo speakers.
Diane Fabi, a spokesperson for Fido, said sales of bluetooth earpieces have been on the ride the last couple of months.
"We don't have any statistics, but we have definitely noticed an increase in sales of those devices," she said.
Wireless earpieces range from $50 to $200, Fabi said.
She said the increase in sales is happening all over Canada because the devices are very popular.
But not everyone agrees hands-free devices are a good idea.
Sophie Gagnon, a spokesperson for CAA Quebec said Bill 42 sends the wrong message.
"The real problem is the distraction of talking while driving," Gagnon said. "We'd like the province to emphasize the fact that you should not be engaging in a conversation on a cellular phone while driving."
At least one Montrealer agrees.
"My work doesn't let us use cellular phones at all while driving," said Winnie Lai, 22, a Toronto resident visiting Montreal. "I just get into the habit of never using the phone while driving. It's safer."
Bill 42, which was passed earlier this week prohibits the use of handheld cellular phones while driving as of April 1. Quebec will become the second Canadian province pass such a law, next to Newfoundland.
Daniel Desharnais, a spokesperson for Transport Minister Julie Boulet said the new law means anyone caught holding a cellular phone while driving would face a fine of between $80 to $100 and three demerit points.
"If a police officer see a person driving with a telephone, you'll get a ticket," Desharnais said.
It seems most Montrealers are prepared.
"Of course, I have (a hands-free earpiece)," said Benjamin Thibault, 24, a downtown resident. "I use it all the time in the car. I think it is a really good law because it has been proved you can save lives by banning phones."
Most Montrealers The Gazette talked to today said they either had a hands-free device for their phones, or they were going to purchase one because of the law.
Desharnais said any kind of hands free device would be acceptable. They range from mounted speakers to wireless earpieces. Some cellular phones come with a base-model earpiece. There is also the option of having Bluetooth wireless technology installed into a car, accessible by pressing a button on the dashboard or steering wheel. Drivers speak into a microphone and the voice on the other end comes through the car's stereo speakers.
Diane Fabi, a spokesperson for Fido, said sales of bluetooth earpieces have been on the ride the last couple of months.
"We don't have any statistics, but we have definitely noticed an increase in sales of those devices," she said.
Wireless earpieces range from $50 to $200, Fabi said.
She said the increase in sales is happening all over Canada because the devices are very popular.
But not everyone agrees hands-free devices are a good idea.
Sophie Gagnon, a spokesperson for CAA Quebec said Bill 42 sends the wrong message.
"The real problem is the distraction of talking while driving," Gagnon said. "We'd like the province to emphasize the fact that you should not be engaging in a conversation on a cellular phone while driving."
At least one Montrealer agrees.
"My work doesn't let us use cellular phones at all while driving," said Winnie Lai, 22, a Toronto resident visiting Montreal. "I just get into the habit of never using the phone while driving. It's safer."