Motorists could be banned from using cell phones while driving under new laws set to be tabled in the House of Assembly.

Premier Ewart Brown said Government opted for legislation — likely to outlaw text messaging and chatting behind the wheel — after technical officers studied research on accident rates and inattentive driving.

Dr. Brown, responding to Parliamentary Questions from United Bermuda Party MP John Barritt on Friday, said the Bermuda Road Safety Council had pushed for new regulations since plastic surgeon Christopher Johnson took over as chairman. "Legislation to regulate this behaviour will be tabled during this (Parliamentary) session," he said.

Asked by Mr. Barritt whether Government thinks driving with cell phones is dangerous, Dr. Brown said: "The Government's position on this matter will be evidenced in the legislation which regulates it."

The Opposition called for a ban on the practice last year; veteran MP Mr. Barritt had raised Parliamentary Questions on the subject last month but received no answers until Friday. New laws would likely mean drivers would have to use hands-free kits if they want to speak on the phone as they drive.

Bermuda Democratic Alliance Leader Craig Cannonier said he supported the bill.

"It's our objective to ensure that we make sure all Bermudians are secure as they travel the roads. This is just another step to secure one another as we travel the roads.

"If you look around the world, everyone has looked at banning cell phone usage and it would only make sense for Bermuda to follow. Yes we may drive slower but that doesn't negate that an accident could happen.

"It's important that those of us who have been charged with ensuring that all Bermudians are as safe as possible that we pass the bill and get it through. It's a sensible bill."

Opposition Leader Kim Swan was also in support. "We are pleased to see the Government moving forward on this issue, which we consider to be a road safety problem wherever cellphones and text messaging devices are in extensive use.

"Our original concern stemmed from studies in overseas jurisdictions that show there is no significant difference in driving behaviour between someone who is using a cellphone while driving and someone behind the wheel who is intoxicated.

"Although there have been no local studies on the issue, we do not believe the dangers here of using cellphones or any other electronic devices while driving are any different.

"Our concerns are heightened by the fact that cell phone use in cars and on motorbikes is widespread.

"This is a road safety challenge for Bermuda. Anything we can do to improve the safety of our roads should be addressed. We look forward to reviewing the legislation when it is tabled."

Government said last summer it was considering the dangers of using cell phones while driving as part of a look at improving road safety.

According to a recent study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), the risk of a car accident increases by 50 percent for people who text while driving.

Talking on hand-held cell phones while driving is illegal in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, while many US States have banned text messaging for drivers.

In the UK, there is a blanket ban on using hand-held cell phones while driving. The law, which came into effect in 2003, imposes fines plus three penalty points on the motorist's licence.

* What do you think? Should using cell phones while driving be banned? Email your views to news@royalgazette.bm