(LAMBTON, ON)- On August 29, 2016 at approximately 4:30 p.m. the Lambton County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended the west bound lanes of the 402 Highway in relation to an erratic driver.
Investigation revealed that a concerned citizen had observed a large tractor/trailer driving erratically within the west bound lanes of the 402 Highway. The concerned citizens, a passenger, decided to video tape and photograph the tractor trailer veering in and out of its driving lane. Eventually and when safe to do so, the citizen was able to pull alongside the tractor trailer and was able to capture images of the tractor trailer driver utilizing a hand- held device atop his steering wheel.
Ironically, the tractor trailer driver became upset that the citizen was photographing him. So, the tractor trailer driver called the OPP in order to lay a formal complaint in relation to being photographed?
The OPP located the involved parties and commenced an investigation. As a result, the tractor trailer driver, a 31 year old male from North York, Ontario was charged with allegedly operating a motor vehicle using a hand- held device.
The OPP very much appreciate citizens whom are willing to assist in relation to unlawful behaviour. The OPP and your fellow motorists recognize the danger of using a hand- held device while driving. The OPP will continue to educate drivers as to the dangers of using hand- held devices while driving and will do so through strict enforcement.
Regardless of the $490 fine and three demerit points, how will your automobile insurance company react to a conviction for using a hand- held device while driving?