ONTARIO - A new law takes effect today banning people from using hand-held cellphones behind the wheel, with an eye to making distracted drivers safer, if slightly less fashionable.
For the most part the new law -- which will have a three-month grace period -- seems to be getting acceptance from many Windsorites, except for a few minor issues.
"My big issue is these Bluetooth things," said Linda Nicodemo, who is in favour of the new law for safety's sake. "My friends, we used to mock people that would go around with them, acting like they're important. They just look funny. Now I guess I'll have to get one."
Starting today it will be illegal in Ontario for drivers to use any hand-held communication or entertainment devices, including cellphones and GPS devices. Drivers will be hit with fines of up to $500 if they e-mail, dial, text, type or talk.
But don't panic. There will be a three-month education period where police won't issue tickets, to help people wean themselves off all those hard-to-resist distractions.
But the OPP warns that officers still have the ability to lay charges for careless driving and other offences where drivers are using electronic devices.
Some are embracing the Bluetooth option -- which is OK because it's hands free -- quicker than others. Gino Morrone has had one about a month.
"That way I'm used to it before it comes into effect," he said from behind the wheel of his pickup truck. "Everybody should have one. It's not that expensive and it's safer.
"I see people driving in front of me on the phone, and they're not driving very well. They're kind of all over the road."
Nicodemo recently had a similar problem. She was on Highway 401 where it's down to one lane because of construction. Someone was tailgating her, with his head down sending what appeared to be text messages.
"I think it's a really good idea," Nicodemo said of the new law. "I don't like it when I'm on the road and someone phones me. I have the kids pick up the phone. I'm too nervous.
"It has distracted me before and it scared me. It could have led to something. I realized my focus wasn't on the vehicle."
Vince McRae has had an ongoing battle to get his 35-year-old daughter to focus on the road. He's glad to see the cellphone ban take effect.
"She's one of those," said McRae. "She texts, talks on the phone, reads the paper. I think there should be a ban."
His brother agrees.
"You don't have to talk when you drive," said Ray McRae. "I can let it ring. The phone doesn't bother me."
Richard Vordage said he's not totally opposed to the law. But he's not a big supporter, either.
"I feel we're getting to have less and less rights," said Vordage. "You've got to have some freedoms left. It should be more about distractions than cellphones. They let you change your music, play with CDs, drink coffee, but you can't use a cellphone."
