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38 distracted drivers caught in Oct. 22 blitz

Unmarked police vehicles and officers in plain clothes nabbed 38 distracted drivers Oct. 22, said Greater Sudbury Police Service.
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An Oct. 29 distracted driving blitz by Greater Sudbury Police Service caught 12 drivers using hand-held devices.
Unmarked police vehicles and officers in plain clothes nabbed 38 distracted drivers Oct. 22, said Greater Sudbury Police Service.

The law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, dial or email using hand-held cellphones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices. The law also prohibits drivers from viewing display screens unrelated to the driving task, such as laptops or DVD players while driving.

The use of a hands-free device is still permitted and drivers may use hand-held devices when safely pulled over and lawfully parked on the shoulder of the road or when dialing 911.

It is every driver's responsibility to drive attentively and safely at all times. Any unnecessary activity that distracts a driver from the task of driving should always be avoided.

Drivers caught Oct. 22 while using a hand-held device faced a roadside fine of $225 plus a victim surcharge and court fees for a total of $280.

In addition to distracted driving fines, police handed out nine speeding fines including a stunt driver going 118km/h in a 60km/h zone, who was caught for his second time in two weeks. Police also handed out four aggressive driving fines, six seatbelt charged and 10 other provincial offences fines.