In what is being hailed as ridiculous, the Trinidad and Tobago government, led by Patrick Manning plans to prohibit cell phone usage while driving. However, Minister of Works and Transport Colm Imbert stated that at this stage hands free devices such as Bluetooth enabled cell phones will be allowed. The logic and feasibility of this decision is being heavily debated.
Others argue that two hands on the wheel is not the goal. The goal is to lower the chance of drivers being distracted by any type of cell phone, be it hand held or hands free. The Trinidad and Tobago Automobile Association holds that opinion as secretary Albertha Edwards said, "The hand-held, the hands-free, they all distract drivers."
According to the Automobile Association, "Yes, we are all busy, but you do not multi-task with people's lives. Let the call wait or pull aside." Government appears to believe that multi tasking and driving is ok. Maybe new drivers can do their driving test while taking calls on their Bluetooth headsets?
Edwards thinks the problem lies with effective policing of the roads by the Trinidad and Tobago Police. "The problem with traffic laws in this country has always been implementation. Look at the seat belt law. Every day we see people driving without their seat belts. Are the police policing that effectively?" she asked.
The use of hands free Bluetooth devices when driving is also not the answer according to sociologist Biko Agozino, head of UWI's Behavioural Sciences Faculty. "Research shows the emotions created when one is driving and talking are the same whether you are talking to the person behind you, with a phone in your hand or on a hands-free. Therefore banning phones is not the answer," he said.
