The ban on drivers using hand-held mobile phones highlighted an interesting policing concept: discretion. (NZ Herald, 2 November)

 

Discretion means freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.

 

It is a valuable tool entrusted to New Zealand police officers. They are highly skilled people, trained to use their discretion wisely as they weigh up each incident and gauge an appropriate response.

 

Sometimes those decisions have to be made in a split second but when it comes to enforcing the cell phone ban, officers have time to speak to people they stop and consider the circumstances. Police hear a lot of stories and become fairly astute at picking a genuine excuse from an unlikely cover-up.

 

For drivers who weren't aware of the new law, there would be an initial period of tolerance.

 

But when using their discretion, officers consider risk first. If behaviour is dangerous to a driver or anyone else, we are likely to act. That includes texting while driving, whether or not the culprit knows it is illegal.

 

Driving is the most dangerous activity most of us ever undertake. It's a complex task, and any additional distraction is a very real risk. Police clean up after too many crashes where a moment's inattention leaves people's lives in tatters.

 

New Zealand’s road toll has been dropping for more than a decade but we can still do better. Police support any measures proved to make them safer. Research has shown using a mobile phone while driving can increase a driver's risk of crash by up to four times. Reaction times are around 50% slower. It's just not worth the risk.

 

Our priority is to prevent crashes and save lives. Our officers' discretion is a vital part of educating drivers and changing behaviour. I'm confident it will be used to the benefit of all road users.

 

Links:

Road User Amendment Rule 2009
 

Q&A about new road user rules 
Information about the law changes, including the ban on hand-held cell phones while driving (NZ Land Transport website).