Don't be a phoney

Starting yesterday, Quebec has a new regulation banning hand-held cellphones but it still allows drivers to use hands-free ones. There is a three-month grace period before fines will be issued. As of July 1, drivers placing cellphones up to their ears could receive a fine of $80 to $100 and the loss of three demerit points. Fairly stiff penalties that should make motorists take the law seriously. While some critics argue the law cannot be easily enforced, the same was said when mandatory seatbelt laws were introduced and police do manage to crackdown on those when they wish. Besides, spotting someone gabbing on a phone while driving isn't that hard to find these days. On top these punitive initiatives, the government should follow up with awareness campaigns about the dangers of distraction while behind the wheel because talking on a cellphone is just one thing that can lead to careless driving. There are a myriad of distractions motorists can face, besides looking out for potholes or bad drivers, such as playing with their stereos, checking GPS gizmos or lighting up a cigarette while driving.

Another law coming into force yesterday, fines and all, was the stricter penalties for excessive speeders. This measure targets drivers who are way above the posted speed limit, such as doing 95 in a 50-kilometre-per-hour zone. Drivers who get nailed in such a case face a $500 fine and the loss of six demerit points.

As well, The Chronicle editorial board has for years supported mandatory winter tires for obvious safety reasons and Quebec has finally come through on that issue for next winter. As part of these new road regulations, Quebec will now require cars to have winter tires on between Nov. 15 and April 15.

There will always be naysayers to any new rules, but people eventually adjust and those changes become standard, such as mandatory seatbelt rules as well as the shift in attitude over the years about drinking and driving. All these new measures should add up to safer roads and, hopefully, cut down on accidents. Quebec drivers, historically, are not noted for being careful or courteous so some punitive measures to discourage careless habits are welcomed.