WHEREAS distracted driving affects more than just drivers and passengers on our roads;

AND WHEREAS the 2008 “NWT Traffic Collision Facts Report” shows a 17 percent increase in collisions, and identifies that 16 percent of those collisions result from ‘loss of control’;

AND WHEREAS cell phone service is available in seven of our communities to approximately 75 percent of NWT residents;

AND WHEREAS cell phone use is increasing across the Territory;

AND WHEREAS drivers using cell phones and hand-held devices are four times more likely to be involved in a collision;

AND WHEREAS the Canadian Automobile Association reports that the number one cause of motor vehicle accidents is cell phone use while driving;

AND WHEREAS five provinces have banned or will be banning hand-held device use while driving;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that this Legislative Assembly strongly recommends that the NWT Motor Vehicle Act be amended to ban the use of hand-held devices while driving;

AND FURTHER; that the Department of Transportation initiate a comprehensive public awareness campaign to inform the public about the risks of driving while distracted.