Don't SMS and drive

2008-11-17 08:03

Melissa Nel

Cape Town - Using your cellphone to send SMSes while driving is probably more dangerous than drinking and driving.

So says Gary Ronald, spokesperson for the Automobile Association (AA).

"Whether you're sending an SMS or using MXit, it doesn't matter - it takes your attention off the road," he said.

It is illegal to have a cellphone in your hand while driving, he emphasised.

André Nel, deputy head of the Cape Town traffic department, said they issued 622 traffic fines related to the use of cellphones between July and September this year.

Colin Tamine, owner of a tow truck service, said they see drivers using their cellphones every day while driving, and even skipping red traffic lights while doing so.

- Die Burger