NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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WAWA, ON - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Distracted Driving Campaign begins Monday, March 11, and will run through Sunday, March 17, 2019.
Members of the Superior East Detachments will be focusing on the enforcement of distracted driving in an effort to change driving behaviour and save lives. Distracted driving continues to be responsible for the highest number of fatalities on Ontario roads.
Studies show that a driver using a cell phone is four times more likely to be in a collision than a driver focused on the road. Further studies show that dialing and texting carry the highest degree of risk of all cell phone related activities.
It is illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial using cell phones or other hand-held communication or entertainment devices. 'Hands-free' means that the device is not held during use and the driver is not physically interacting with, or manipulating it.
Drivers caught talking on their phones, texting, dialing or emailing using a hand-held device, such as a cell phone and other entertainment devices will be fined up to $1000 with a three-day license suspension and three demerit points upon conviction.
Drivers who receive a second conviction within five years face a fine of up to $2,000, a seven day licence suspension and six demerit points.
For a third and all other subsequent convictions within five years, drivers face a fine of up to $3,000, six demerit points and they lose their license for 30 days.
Many drivers today tend to view driving as a simple everyday task that requires minimal attention. The reality is that driving is a complex task which requires your full attention. Remember, you are operating a heavy piece of machinery at high speeds. You are navigating in diverse weather conditions while calculating speed and distance, in addition to responding to environmental factors.
Don't drive distracted! It could kill you or someone you love. Drive responsibly and respect the lives of everyone on Ontario roads.
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