South Simcoe Police Daily News Release – 21Mar2017

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is now the number one cause of collisions in Ontario.

Since the advent of smart phones and hand held music devices, distracted driving has increased to epidemic proportions. The penalties for distracted driving have also increased since the introduction of legislation in 2009. You may not use a hand held device or phone while driving.

If you have an A, B, C, D, E, F and/or G licence, you’ll face a fine of $490 and three demerit points if convicted.

Under the graduated licencing system, if you hold a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence, and are convicted of distracted driving, you’ll face the same fines as drivers with A to G licences.

Instead of demerit points you’ll face a 30-day licence suspension for a first conviction, a 90-day licence suspension for a second conviction and for a third conviction, a cancellation of your licence and removal from the Graduated Licensing System. To get your licence back you’ll have to redo the GLS program.

To avoid driving while distracted, turn your phone off or switch it to silent mode before you get in the car. Silence notifications that tempt you to answer. Put your phone in the glove compartment (lock it, if you have to) or in the back seat, out of reach. Use an app that can block incoming calls and texts, or one that sends automatic replies to people trying to call or text you. Ask a passenger to take a call or respond to a text for you. If you must make a call or send a text, carefully pull over to a safe area beforehand.

Texting and driving kills. Please don’t use your phone while behind the wheel!

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