The proposed plan to ban cell phones while driving has received overwhelming support from Nation online readers.
In fact, many said it was about time that a law be put in place in Barbados to address this dangerous practice, adding it would help save lives.
Readers , who were also strongly opposed to texting and driving, which they say is a reckless habit, believe motorists should simply pull off the road to take or make calls, or text.
Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite announced Thursday that legislation later this year could see road users breaking the law if they use their cellphones while driving.
Brathwaite, speaking at a breakfast meeting of the General Insurance Association of Barbados, said road users needed to be more responsible.
Readers addressed the issue in a Nation Talkback and shared their views.
Alana Gee: “Implement this legislation. I’m sick and tired of people driving on the road and doing foolishness, and then looking and realizing that they are on cellphones.
Margaret Elliot Willis said: “As a Bajan living in Australia we have had laws in place for a long while now against using cellphones while driving for texting and talking. Many lives have been lost when drivers’ attention is taken off the road. Bajan roads are overcrowded and drivers need to have their full attention on the road.
Doreen Williams said: I’m a firm believer that it should be against the law to use your cellphone while driving. To consider permitting usage of hands-free devices is also nonsense. Please, make it mandatory to pull over to use the phone. Modern technology has it’s place, but this is definitely out of place.
Steven Downes: “If it’s completely necessary to make or receive a call while you’re on the road, then find a place to pull over first and return the call”.
Kathy Claudia St Paul-Olliverre said: “To save lives this law should be implemented by all governments, within the Caribbean, not only in Barbados. As drivers we are required to place our full attention on the roads”.
Philip Newman Matthews said: “It is one of the leading causes of vehicular deaths. In one month I have seen with my own eyes people texting while driving right here in Barbados. Please implement the laws and prosecute the people who break them”.
Nickie Drakes: “Thank goodness, because a girl almost wrote me off on Monday – she had the phone under control but not her driving. I was so mad”.
carolmartindale@nationnews.com
