N.B. puts cellphone driving ban on hold

New Brunswick's Department of Public Safety isn't about to stop drivers from using their cellphones just yet, despite the recommendations of a new report.

Among the recommendationsgiven in the Hay Group Health Care Consulting report is a ban on cellphone use by drivers.

The report on how New Brunswick treats patients with major injuries, issued earlier this month,notes that a similar ban exists in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Public Health spokeswoman Sheri Strickland says that at the moment the issue is taking a backseat to other driving concerns in the province.

"The three factors that most affect loss of life and injury in New Brunswick are impaired driving, speeding and not using seatbelts … So right now we're focusing on those three issues … there are many things that cause driver distraction — and a cellphone is only one of them."

Strickland said the department is studying how the ban is working in Newfoundland and Labrador.

She said Quebec is also developing legislation that could potentially restrict drivers there from using cellphones.