The net has been officially cast on the issue of cell phones but some of the fish caught up by the new law shouldn’t be, says one Nelson woman.

Melody Parenteau runs four businesses in Nelson and has found the cell phone absolutely indispensable in allowing her the time to manage them as well as a family of four.

Time is of the essence, she said, and the cell phone was her vehicle to cover the distance she needed to in the day. However, as of February 1, she won’t be able to use her hand-held cell phone in her vehicle and now, like many other mobile business people, her businesses may suffer.

“I feel there is huge difference between talking on your cell phone and driving (versus) texting,” she said. “The practice that is really dangerous is texting.”

Even so, as of Monday, drivers caught with a cell phone pressed to their ear or typing text messages and e-mails will get a $167 ticket.

Those found texting or emailing will all also be given three penalty points on their driver's licence (novice or learning drivers will also receive three penalty points). The new rules don’t apply when you’re calling 911.

The sweeping legislation to prohibit the use of hand held cell phones has moved from the grace period into the realm of law this week, and conscientious business people like Parenteau are having their wings clipped.

It’s a conscious habit that people have to learn to break, said Nelson Police Department’s Sgt. Steve Bank.

Last month the NPD held an education blitz, armed with a pamphlet provided by the provincial government, entitled Talk, Text and Çrash. They were stopping people that they saw talking on their cell phones while driving and provided them with the information as a courtesy — with 12 warning tickets issued in the blitz.

“For some people it’s going to be a tough habit to break, but the majority of the public has really bought into it,” said Sgt. Bank. “I think most people see that it was a necessary step that the government took.”

The law also prohibits drivers from looking at display screens “unrelated to driving,” such as laptops and DVD players, but they can still use GPS as long as the device is affixed to the dash. Hands-free use of iPods and MP3 players plugged into the car stereo system is also permitted.

An ICBC survey conducted in Vancouver at Denman and Georgia Street in December found 116 drivers chatting away during rush hour. Last week only 31 drivers were talking on their cell phones at the same location.

For further details go online to www.drivecellsafe.com and click on "Get the Facts."

tim@nelsondailynews.com

Into the Blue

If you have a blue tooth headset, you need to make sure it is all set up before you even turn on the ignition. If you wear a headset, it can only be in one ear, unless you're on a motorcycle.

Think of that phone as a hot potato, no holding it or leaving it in your lap — find a secure holder instead. To answer the call it has to be voice-activated or one-touch.

It's not just cell phones that are affected. People can’t touch that mp3 player or mobile device once the car is running; all music has to play through your speaker system.

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