Officers from the RCIPS started leafleting motorists today (Wednesday 12 September 2012) in advance of the partial cellphone ban.

The leaflet, which resembles a mock traffic ticket, is being distributed to drivers at traffic hotspots throughout the three islands. It forms part of the wider RCIPS plans to educate drivers about the new law and the fine they will face for driving whilst using a cellphone without a hands-free device. The law comes into effect on Friday 21 September.

“The fact that the partial cellphone ban is part of the new Traffic Law should not come as a surprise to anyone,” said Acting Superintendent Angelique Howell. “After all, it has achieved substantial media coverage over recent months and has been a hot topic of conversation throughout Cayman, where cellphone use and texting is a huge part of everyday life for most people.

“We welcome the new legislation and we are sure that it will have a huge impact in helping to reduce the deaths and injuries on our roads – after all people who text and talk on the phone are clearly not concentrating on their driving! The issuing of the leaflets is our way of reminding motorists that the new law is about to come into force and how much they will be out of pocket if they chose to ignore it!

“To help people get ready for the new law Digicel and LIME are partnering with the RCIPS to offer a 25% discount on all hands-free devices. This discount will take effect immediately. We hope that this substantial discount will encourage people to get their hands-free kits before the ban comes into effect. The cost of a device is much less than the cost of a $150 fine.

The Traffic Law 2011 does have some exceptions to the cellphone driving ban. People can still use a cellphone if they have a hands-free device. They can also use their phones to call 9-1-1 in an emergency when it is unsafe or impracticable to stop and park.

In all other cases if people have to make or answer a call they should pull over to the side of the road and come to a complete stop – BUT ONLY IF SAFE TO DO SO. However, stopping at a traffic light or a stop sign does not count as being stopped for the purposes of making a call!

The law also provides an exemption for police officers using cellphones whilst driving. But the RCIPS has issued a clear instruction to officers not to use cellphones whilst driving police vehicles unless they are stopped in a safe location. Officers who do not follow this instruction will face disciplinary action.

A copy of the leaflet is attached.