11 June 2008 Media Statement
Road Safety Trust supports consideration of hand-held phone ban for vehicle drivers
The Road Safety Trust welcomes today’s announcement that the Government will consider amending the Land Transport (Road
User) Rule 2004 to ban the use of hand held mobile phones while driving a vehicle.
The Trust has recently embarked on a pilot advertising campaign to help raise public awareness of the issue of
distractions while driving. Use of hand held mobile phones while driving a vehicle is seen as a growing road safety
risk.
“Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving significantly increases a driver’s risk of being involved in a
crash,” Chair Yvonne Sharp said.
Mobile phones differ from other driver distractions such as the radio or talking to a passenger because of the frequency
and nature of the interaction required.
Other distractions such as talking to passengers, eating or smoking can be modified during demanding traffic situations.
For example, passengers are aware of the road environment and will generally stop talking during a dangerous driving
situation, allowing the driver to concentrate fully. A person on the other end of a mobile phone, however, is not aware
of any potential hazards and will often continue to talk, distracting the driver at critical moments.
The Trust encourages all interested parties to participate in the public consultation of the Rule that is scheduled to
be released in July 2008.
For more information on driver distraction and the Road Safety Trust’s ‘Keep Your Eyes on the Action’ advertising
campaign, visit www.landtransport.govt.nz/road-user-safety/driver-distraction/index.html.
The Road Safety Trust is a Crown Entity that receives its funding from a share of the proceeds of personalised licence
plate sales. The Trust funds community safety initiatives, training, education and private sector technological
developments beneficial to road safety.
ENDS