KEY POINTS:
A proposed ban on the use of hand-held cellphones while driving is expected to be announced today.
The Dominion Post reported today that Associate Transport Minister Harry Duynhoven will reveal that the Government is proposing consultation over a rule change to ban such cellphones, but allowing hands-free phone sets.
The move follows a number of high profile fatal crashes partly blamed on drivers being distracted by texting.
Earlier this year, Vodafone and Telecom backed a ban saying the message was not getting through that it was dangerous to text or talk on a hand-held phone while driving.
Cellphone distraction has reportedly contributed to 446 vehicle crashes since 1995, claiming 34 lives and injuring 587 people.
Drivers are banned from using handheld cellphones in 35 countries.
Though Mr Duynhoven has previously advocated a ban, the Cabinet has resisted it on the grounds that other driving distractions can be equally fatal.
Transport Ministry figures suggest 11 per cent of all crashes in 2006 were caused by the driver being distracted for reasons including talking with passengers, eating and drinking, smoking, looking for directions, and talking on a cellphone.
A study funded by Land Transport New Zealand and due for release soon is expected to show that talking on a cellphone while driving is a bigger distraction than talking to a passenger - reportedly increasing the chance of crashing by 400 per cent.
- NZPA
