(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – On October 26, 2009, distracted driving became illegal in Ontario. Effective March 18, 2014, the roadside fine for distracted driving becomes $280.
Safe driving requires your full attention as you need to constantly assess the road, your speed, traffic control signals, other drivers, pedestrians and other obstacles that may appear with little or no warning. It’s estimated that distracted driving is a casual factor in as many as half of all collisions on Ontario roads.
A driver sending a simple text message travels the length of a football field without ever looking at the road. It’s hard to imagine a conversation so important that you need to risk your life, and that of other road users, to participate.
“I support the increased fine as a stronger deterrent for those motorists that continue to put others safety at risk. Distracted driving is a completely preventable and totally unacceptable act that can have deadly consequences. Keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road when you drive – the life you save could be your own†– Inspector Scott Smith, Detachment Commander, South Bruce OPP.
Anyone interested in more information on distracted driving can check online at: http://www.opp.ca/.