The Sudbury Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues to be concerned about the large number of drivers who continue to engage in the dangerous activity of distracted driving.
Distracted driving will be the main focus during this upcoming Labour Day Weekend from Sept. 4-7.
Distracted drivers are a safety risk to themselves and others. Studies show that a driver using a cell phone is four times more likely to be in a collision than a driver focused on the road.
So far this year, 41 deaths have been attributed to distracted driving on
OPP-patrolled roads and the number of collisions caused by distracted drivers is
up 20 per cent compared to this time last year.
Other studies show that dialing and texting carries the highest degree of risk of all cell phone related activities.
A driver may utilize their cell phone without a hands free system when:
- The vehicle is off the roadway or lawfully parked
- Must not be in motion
- Is not impeding traffic
- Emergency calls to police, fire or emergency medical services (if possible drivers should pull off the road)
- Distracted driving can also be defined as any activities which takes a driver's attention away from driving which includes:
- Adjusting the stereo, searching for something in the car; eating and drinking while driving; using a handheld device; watching television or other entertainment devices.
There are three main types of distraction:
- Visual — taking your eyes off the road
- Manual — taking your hands of the wheel
- Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing
The fine for driving while holding a hand held device or having a screen visible to the driver now ranges from $490 to $1,000.00 and costs three demerit points upon conviction in court.
Drivers who drive without due care and attention and allow themselves to be distracted by other activities can also be charged with the more serious offence of Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
Fines for Careless Driving can range from $400.00 to $2,000.00, result in a licence suspension of up to two years and/or a jail term of not more than six months. Motorists will also incur six demerit points on their driver’s licence if convicted in court.
