Mobile phone ban for motorists

BANGKOK (AFP): The government today tabled a proposal to outlaw the use of mobile phones by motorists, saying they distract drivers and cause accidents, a senior minister said. Defense Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh told reporters that the cabinet’s Scrutinizing Committee had agreed to draft legislation that would prohibit motorists from talking on mobile phones, even with the use of hands-free equipment. “We agreed that motorists lose concentration even when they are talking on hands-free equipment. If they want to make or answer phone calls, they must pull over and stop,” Chavalit said. The draft bill to ban motorists from chatting on their mobile phones was initiated under the government of former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, but was not put before Parliament. Chavalit denied that the proposed ban would curb personal rights.