Like many regions on the continent, Ontario has passed legislation limiting the use of cell phones while at the wheel. But unlike all those other regions, Ontario has lumped CB radios in with distracting handheld devices.

The ban on handheld cell phones, texting and other communication devices while driving, began in Canadaıs most populous province on Oct. 26. All motorists in the province will be expected to use their cell phones in hands-free mode, or pull over to make a call.

Of course, there are exceptions. Itıs not like the government to disregard the concerns of truckers and thankfully, the use of a handful of devices will still be allowed.

Handheld push-to-talk devices, hand mics and walkie-talkies can be used while driving provided they are mounted or secured to the vehicle, are easily accessible, and activated by one press of a button.

Mounted to the vehicle. Easily accessible. One press of the button. Sounds a lot like a CB radio, right? One more thing though, the device cannot be hanging from the roof of a cab or the dashboard.

You see, thatıs the real problem with CB radios. While other jurisdictions only see the safety problems of drivers getting caught up in a conversation, or taking their eyes off the road to write or read a text, Ontario has gone deeper into the cause of driver distraction.

The real problem is the dashboard and roof of a cab. Once again, Ontario is really leading the way in cutting edge, key safety legislation that will undoubtedly save many lives for decades to come.

My guess is this is just the start. In the near future we will probably see more life saving laws from the Ontario government like the removal of air conditioning controls, the speedometer, stereos, sun visors and the turn signal.

All these instruments on the dashboard and roofs of vehicles are distracting and real safety hazards.

Luckily, you wonıt have to retire those CB handles just yet, the government is planning on phasing out the popular radios in the next three years.

By then, the legislators hope two-way, hands-free technology will be developed to replace CB radios.

It makes sense that in these tough economic times, when drivers are carefully watching each dollar that comes in and out, to have to invest in new technology just to truck in Ontario.

Itıs the age-old government motto: if itıs not broke, break it, so you can fix it.
Steve Macleod