(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recently concluded a Distracted Driving campaign, but wants motorists to know that officers will continue to be on the lookout for threats to public safety like distracted drivers.
During the March 8-14 campaign, 2,094 motorists were charged for distracted driving, with 11 of those charges being laid by the South Bruce OPP. This latest campaign brings the total number of province-wide OPP distracted driving charges up to 4,000 in 2014.
For three years in a row (from 2011-2013) distracted driving has taken the lives of more innocent people than impaired driving (on OPP patrolled roads). A total of 11 people have died so far this year (2014) in distracted driving related collisions on OPP patrolled roads and, according to some of the OPP’s Facebook followers, the public recognizes how serious a threat this driving behaviour poses to road users.
The OPP is reminding drivers that effective March 18, 2014, distracted driving fines increase from $155 to $280 (this includes the $225 fine plus a $50 victim fine surcharge and $5 court cost).
“The campaign has ended, but the danger of driving distracted doesn’t end. Too many families are mourning the loss of a loved one in a preventable crash. Highway crashes are not a “cost of doing businessâ€Â; they are most often the result of a bad choice. Safe driving requires your full attention, so keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road†– Inspector Scott Smith, Detachment Commander, South Bruce OPP.