in Belgium, a zero tolerance experiment for the telephone while driving

Many motorists sometimes recognize making a phone call or looking at a message while driving. To put an end to these practices, several municipalities around Brussels (Belgium) have decided to implement zero tolerance: an eight-day license withdrawal, in the event of a phone call while driving. The experiment will last two months. “The focus is more on raising awareness, a change of mentality”explains Ine Van Wijmeersch, public prosecutor for the district of Halle-Vilvoorde (Belgium).

Currently in Belgium, the offense is simply punishable by a fine. The Road Safety Institute welcomed the initiative. “We can no longer bear that every year around fifty people lose their lives in accidents, because a driver is sending a message for example”comments Benoît Godart, spokesperson for Vias. Motorists are divided over the severity of the measure.