In the final week of a campaign to clamp down on distracted drivers, the OPP charged 2,454 drivers across the province with distraction-related offences from Feb. 13 to 19 – or 350 daily.
“We’d prefer the number of drivers charged each day was zero,” said Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.
“Although we have indeed had some success with our campaign, this is a clear indication that we have a great deal of work to do yet,” he said.
In the first seven weeks of 2012, nine deaths on OPP patrolled roads were attributed to an inattentive driver. That’s more than alcohol- and speed-related deaths combined. “Our efforts to reduce fatal collisions are not limited to specific campaign dates. Our strict enforcement of distraction laws are a priority every day. These deaths are completely preventable and we’ll continue to encourage voluntary compliance for the right reasons,” said Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander of the Highway Safety Division.
In the OPP’s Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other awareness and enforcement campaign run during four weeks since last May the number of distraction related charges laid by OPP officers increased 110 per cent compared to the year previous. The number of fatal collisions caused by an inattentive driver decreased by 25 per cent.
Under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario, using a cell phone or device capable of texting while driving can result in a fine of $155. Also, watching an entertainment device can result in a fine of $110. Other forms of distracted driving can result in a careless criving charge, with fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, a possible licence suspension of up to two years and/or a jail term of up to six months.
“We’d prefer the number of drivers charged each day was zero,” said Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.
“Although we have indeed had some success with our campaign, this is a clear indication that we have a great deal of work to do yet,” he said.
In the first seven weeks of 2012, nine deaths on OPP patrolled roads were attributed to an inattentive driver. That’s more than alcohol- and speed-related deaths combined. “Our efforts to reduce fatal collisions are not limited to specific campaign dates. Our strict enforcement of distraction laws are a priority every day. These deaths are completely preventable and we’ll continue to encourage voluntary compliance for the right reasons,” said Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander of the Highway Safety Division.
In the OPP’s Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other awareness and enforcement campaign run during four weeks since last May the number of distraction related charges laid by OPP officers increased 110 per cent compared to the year previous. The number of fatal collisions caused by an inattentive driver decreased by 25 per cent.
Under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario, using a cell phone or device capable of texting while driving can result in a fine of $155. Also, watching an entertainment device can result in a fine of $110. Other forms of distracted driving can result in a careless criving charge, with fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, a possible licence suspension of up to two years and/or a jail term of up to six months.
