KEY POINTS:
Most New Zealanders want the use of mobile phones while driving banned.
A new Research New Zealand (RNZ) poll showed 86 per cent of New Zealanders believed that phoning/texting and driving should be illegal.
Only 13 per cent said "no" to a ban.
RNZ director Emanuel Kalafatelis said that when asked about hands-free mobile phone options, 50 per cent of those who supported the ban on use while driving said the use of hands-free phones should also be outlawed.
The others felt it would be acceptable, "meaning that New Zealanders are polarised in terms of their opinions."
Vodafone and Telecom announced support for a ban this week, adding to an apparent surge in public support for legislation.
The Government has so far rejected an outright ban, and Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven has said cellphone use was a factor in only a small percentage of crashes.
The issue of distraction was the problem.
The only differences in results were based on age.
Those in the 15-to-29 group were less likely to agree that mobile phone use in cars should be banned (71 per cent), and those in the 60-plus bracket were more likely than the average to think phones should be banned (93 per cent).
Younger people were also more likely than older people to agree that the use of hands-free options were okay, Mr Kalafatelis said.
The survey, done by telephone between March 11 and 19 March, polled 500 people.
The margin of error was plus or minus 4 per cent.
RNZ, an independent New Zealand-owned research organisation, does a monthly survey of attitudes and opinions.
- NZPA
