The mobile phone industry backs the ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving and supports community education about the safe use of wireless communications products in vehicles, AMTA has told a radio station in New Zealand this week.

The New Zealand government is considering banning the use of hand-held mobile phones, which have been proscribed in Australia for many years.

AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, said to a radio station in Auckland that the mobile phone industry did not question that mobile phone use imposed physical, visual, and cognitive demands on drivers.

“However, we believe that adhering to existing laws and some simple commonsense practices, all drivers can make safe use of mobile phones while enjoying the substantial public safety and personal security benefits they provide,” he said.

“While technology can help to address physical and visual demands of mobile phone use in vehicles, education is required to remind drivers not to be distracted by mobile phones while driving and to reinforce the ban on hand-held use.

“Therefore, the most useful action governments can take is to educate drivers about the appropriate and safe of use of wireless communications products in cars.”

Mr Althaus said the industry stressed that although a hands-free device could reduce the physical effort to make and receive calls, drivers should avoid making calls in adverse traffic, road or weather conditions and avoid complex or emotional conversations. Safety is the most important call drivers can make.

AMTA’s driving safety tips are widely used by fleet owners and motoring organisations and can be viewed under consumer tips at www.amta.org.au

Mr Althaus said mobile phones are only one of the many distractions faced by drivers and all potential distractions must be considered.