23 Distracted Drivers Caught In Huron

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – On Sunday night, March 20th, the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment wrapped up its week long OPP Distracted Driving Campaign. The campaign, which was part of the province wide OPP Distracted Driving Campaign resulted in nearly two dozen drivers being charged for texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.

A total of 23 drivers were charged with distracted driving offences. 21 were charged with “Drive with Hand-Held Communication Device” and two were served with tickets for the offence of “Display Screen Visible to Driver”.

The total payable fine for distracted driving offences is $490. Additionally, fully licensed drivers will incur three demerit points upon conviction. Novice drivers subject to the Graduated Licensing Program face driver’s licence suspensions upon conviction. First time offenders face a 30-day licence suspension, second time offenders face a 90-day license suspension and for those that are convicted three times, their licences are cancelled and they will be removed from the Graduated Licensing Program.

During the week-long campaign Huron County OPP officers investigated 6 property damage motor vehicle collisions. None of these collisions were caused by distracted driving.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the risks associated with distracted driving – in particular, texting or talking on a cell phone while driving. Many of these studies have confirmed that this form of distracted driving is as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In fact, on OPP patrolled roads in 2015, 69 people died in collisions where distracted driving was the causal factor compared to 45 for alcohol/impaired drivers. Good drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. Research shows that drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a collision than drivers who focus on the road. Drivers that text and drive are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash event compared to a non-distracted driver.

Here are some simple tips to help you stay focused on your driving and avoid distracted driving.

Use your cell phone only when you’re parked, or have a passenger available to take the call.

Let incoming calls go to voicemail.

Turn off your cell phone before you start driving.

Identify and pre-set your vehicle’s climate control, radio and CD player prior to embarking on your travel.

Plan your route and set your GPS before you leave.

When you’re hungry or thirsty, take a break. Avoid eating or drinking while you drive.

Avoid other distractions like reading maps, grooming activities and tending to children and pets.

Reducing the number of distracted drivers on Huron County roadways remains a top priority for the Huron County OPP Detachment. Although the campaign is officially over, Huron OPP officers will remain vigilant throughout the year with their focused patrols in an effort to identify distracted drivers.

Please Leave the Phone Alone, Good Drivers just Drive.

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