Distracted Drivers Take Deadly Risk

(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY) – The Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act 2009 became law on October 26, 2009. It prohibits the use of devices a driver may use while their vehicle is in motion, with the following exceptions:

GPS navigation device
Hand held communication device WITH hands free system only
Vehicle gauges/Vehicle information systems
Collision avoidance systems
Transportation tracking systems

Distracted Driving is a legitimate threat to roadway safety and has been added to the Highway Safety enforcement priorities which include aggressive driving, impaired driving, speeding and seatbelt use. To date in 2012, West Region OPP has attended 22 fatal crashes with 35 people killed. It’s not a matter of “if” a distracted driver will cause a collision; it’s a matter of “when”.

Between May 16th, 2011 and February 19th, 2012, the OPP ran 4 separate week long distracted driving campaigns to raise public awareness and driver compliance with the law. Most drivers will agree that distracted driving is dangerous, but the campaign results show that drivers are continuing to use cell phones when they drive.

The South Bruce OPP is reminding motorists that a distracted driver can be stopped and charged a fine of $155, but the cost can be far greater when you consider the risk.

“Driving while distracted is bad judgement and an unacceptable threat to public safety. When you’re driving, focus on the roadway, not an electronic device. The South Bruce OPP has a zero tolerance for distracted drivers; think ‘Phone in one hand, ticket in the other’. Don’t let your next cell chat be your last” – Inspector Bill Klym, Commander, South Bruce OPP.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information that can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or send a web-tip to crimestop-gb.org, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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