The province is attempting to crack down on drivers who continue to use cellphones while behind the wheel.
Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks tabled legislation yesterday that would increase the current fines for talking or texting on a cellphone while driving.
If the amendments are accepted, fines would range from about $225 to $570. Being caught using a cellphone while driving will also cost the driver four demerit points.
“It’s important that we correct this behaviour,” said Estabrooks. “And the way we have to do it is we have to hit them were it hurts the most … right in the pocketbook.”
Nova Scotia banned cellphone use while driving in 2008. According to Estabrooks, police in the province have issued over 8,300 tickets since the ban came into effect.
Today is the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims. So far in 2010, there have been more than 60 fatalities on Nova Scotia roads.
“People commonly refer to road crashes as ‘accidents,’ but in reality they are almost always preventable,” said Estabrooks.
