Police catch 12 distracted drivers during blitz

An Oct. 29 distracted driving blitz by Greater Sudbury Police Service caught 12 drivers using hand-held devices.

Each driver faces a $280 fine.

Police officers are ramping up enforcement of distracted driving. Unmarked police vehicles and officers in plain clothes were utilized to observe motorists using cellphones and taking part in other distractions behind the wheel.

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.

Officers handed out a number of other tickets, as well, including:

-1 fail to slow down for emergency vehicle
-4 red lights
-2 seatbelt charges
-1 unsafe lane change
-3 other provincial statutes
-3 72-hour notices for provincial offences (equipment)