Police ban use of mobile phones by drivers

Police in some Vientiane districts have begun fining motorists who use mobile phones while driving, in line with the Prime Minister's Decree No. 188, dated July 3, 2007.

But the Head of the Vientiane Traffic Police Station, Colonel Khampheiw Vatthanaphone, said last Friday that fines were still not appropriate yet as the public needed more information about the decree.

Some motorists who were stopped by police for using a mobile phone said they did not know when the ruling came into existence, as they had not seen any notification in the media.

“In fact, the district police are quite right to fine motorists using mobile phones,” Colonel Khampheiw said.

“We are not required to issue a notice to inform the public because the rule is clearly stipulated in the decree.”

But, he said, he would call a meeting with district police heads on Monday to reach a consensus concerning fines for mobile phone use by drivers.

According to the decree, the fine for using a mobile while driving is 30,000 kip for motorcyclists and 50,000 kip for the drivers of cars and pick-up trucks.

Police said the use of mobile phones while driving was one cause of road accidents.

They have already succeeded in implementing a measure urging motorcyclists to wear helmets and are now discussing ways to encourage drivers to wear seatbelts.

“The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has circulated a notice to police asking them to begin encouraging motorists to wear seatbelts,” said Office Head of the Vientiane Traffic Police Office, Captain Viengxay Southiyanoun.

Despite increased efforts to reduce road accidents, the number of incidents is still rising.

According to a report by the Vientiane Traffic Police, about 600 accidents were reported in the first quarter of this year, with 20 deaths occurring on the roads.

The number of deaths from road accidents has declined compared to the last three months of 2007, when 45 deaths were recorded.

In most other countries, the use of mobile phones while driving is banned as it is recognised that this causes motorists to lose concentration and can lead to accidents.

The police are circulating information about traffic regulations to schools, factories and government offices, as part of their efforts to reduce road accidents.

In Vientiane , most road accidents are caused by alcohol and speed. Most deaths involve motorbike riders not wearing helmets.

A total of 2,091 road accidents were reported in Vientiane in 2005-2006, rising to 2,270 in 2006-2007 while the number of fatalities over the same period increased from 130 to 168.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update April 6, 2008)