The annual Distracted Driving campaign has began and the OPP has confirmed that 2015 marked the third consecutive year that driver distraction as a causal factor exceeded all other categories of road deaths on OPP-patrolled roads.
Last year, 69 people died in road crashes in which driver distraction was a factor, compared to 61 speed-related, 51 seat belt-related and 45 alcohol/drug-related deaths.
Numerous studies have been conducted on the risks associated with distracted driving – in particular, texting or talking on a cell phone while driving. Many of these studies have confirmed that this form of distracted driving is as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
During March Break, road users need to be aware of how serious a threat distracted drivers are to their safety. Each year for the past three years (2013-2015), OPP officers have laid approximately 20,000 distracted driving charges throughout the province, which is more than double the number of impaired driving charges they laid over the same three-year period.
Over and above cell phone use, the OPP continues to lay numerous charges every year against motorists whose driving ability is compromised by other distractions such as eating, self-grooming, tending to kids in the back seat to name a few.
“If you are texting, talking on your cell phone or pre-occupied with other activities while behind the wheel, you are not driving safely,” said OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes. “It does not suffice to keep your eyes on the road. Driving involves sharing space with drivers, their passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians and it is impossible to do so safely unless your eyes and mind are solely focused on driving.”
Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, said, “Distracted driving is just not worth it. It has been shown to be just as dangerous as drinking and driving – something we all know is wrong. Our government has worked hard to make our roads some of the safest in North America, including taking strong action against individuals who put themselves and others at risk by talking, texting and using electronic devices while driving. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe and I want to remind everyone to go hands-free and put your hand-held devices away. It can mean all the difference.”The OPP is encouraging passengers of all ages to take a zero tolerance approach to distracted driving. Take charge of your own safety and speak up when you are in vehicle being driven by someone who is not paying attention to the road and is endangering your life.
DID YOU KNOW?
On September 1, 2015 the fines and penalties for distracted driving were increased.
Fines / Penalties
As of September 1, 2015 the fines and penalties for distracted driving will increase.
If convicted of distracted driving, a fully licenced driver (holder of Class A, B, C, D, E, F, G) or a hybrid driver (holder of a full-class licence and a novice licence such as Class G and M1) will receive:
• a fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $490 if settled out of court
• fine of up to $1,000 if you receive a summons or fight your ticket
• three demerit points applied to your driver’s record
If convicted of distracted driving, a novice driver (subject to the Graduated Licensing program) will be subject to escalating sanctions:
• first occurrence will result in a 30-day licence suspension
• second occurrence will result in 90-day licence suspension
• licence cancellation and removal from the Graduated Licensing System for a third occurrence
Novice drivers will not be subject to demerit points.
Tips to avoid distraction
There are many simple steps you can take to avoid being distracted while you drive:
• Use your cell phone only when you’re parked, or have a passenger take the call.
• Let calls go to voicemail.
• Turn off your cell phone before you start driving.
• Identify and preset your vehicle’s climate control, radio and CD player.
• Plan your route and set your GPS before you leave.
• When you’re hungry or thirsty, take a break. Don’t eat or drink while you drive.
• Avoid other distractions like reading maps, grooming activities and tending to children and pets
