Mobile Phones

On November 1st 2009 the government introduced a ban on hand-held mobile phone use while driving, for safety reasons. There are a number of studies showing that using a mobile phone while driving can increase a driver’s probability of being involved in a crash. In particular, drivers’ use of mobile phones increases the time to react to vehicles braking ahead.

Other adverse changes in driver behaviour while talking on a cell phone include:

• impaired gap judgements
  
• an increased number of traffic violations
  
• failure to maintain appropriate headway distances
  
• higher curve speeds
• impaired eye scanning
  
• reduced checking of rearview mirrors
  
• striking pedestrians
  
• impairment of vehicle control actions
  
• poor speed management.
  
  Please visit the NZ Transport Agency link below for more information on the new hand-held mobile phone ban.