HANDPHONES IN VEHICLES

Dr Lee Siew-Choh asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he will consider making it an offence for drivers of vehicles to speak on handphones and drive at the same time.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar): Mr Speaker, under section 65 of the Road Traffic Act it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.

A person using a handphone whilst driving certainly cannot be said to be driving with due care and attention. The same is equally true of certain other situations, for instance, where a driver is eating or drinking or even reading a newspaper whilst driving or driving with one arm dangling out of the car. With only one hand on the steering wheel, such activity will affect his ability to control the vehicle and also diminish his concentration on road safety.

I want to thank Dr Lee Siew-Choh for advocating firm action and I wish to assure him that the Traffic Police will take enforcement action under section 65 against motorists who drive carelessly or inconsiderately, including those who use handphones while driving as well as the other motorists in the other situations that I have mentioned. Offenders would be liable to 9 demerit points under the Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS).

There is no need for separate legislation to provide for such situations as section 65 is adequate for this purpose.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh (Non-Constituency Member): Has any action been taken against drivers who have violated this regulation?

Prof. Jayakumar: Sir, Members will recall that some time ago last year a similar question was asked by Mr Chin Harn Tong. At that stage, I said that the Traffic Police preferred to have an initial period of education by advising motorists on the dangers of such activity, particularly in respect of road safety. I think enough time has been given to educate and counsel motorists and now the Traffic Police is of the view that action should be taken.

Mr Speaker: Mr Chiam.

Mr Chiam See Tong: [remained seated] Question No.7.

Mr Speaker: Order. Mr Chiam, you will rise in your place when asking your Question.