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There are no excuses - OPP cracking down on distracted driving
ORILLIA, ON, Feb. 14, 2012, 2012 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
After a busy week of spreading the
word to Ontarians about the dangers of distracted driving, the Ontario
Provincial Police (OPP) is warning motorists that its Distracted
Driving campaign is in full swing and that it will now focus on
stringent enforcement of distracted driving laws on Ontario roads.
"Since last May (2011), we've carried out three of our four one-week 'Phone In One Hand, Ticket In The Other' distracted driving campaigns and because this dangerous driving
behaviour has become a widespread issue among all of our policing
partners, in North America and beyond, everyone should be familiar with
the dangers," says Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander of the OPP
Highway Safety Division. "The lack of compliance we continue to see on
our roads today is nothing more than a blatant disregard for the law
and a personal choice to continue making distracted driving a
dangerous, life-threatening habit rather than a case of a misinformed
motoring public," added Bell.
Throughout the week, from February 13-19, 2012, the OPP will be
targeting all forms of distraction that pose a risk to human life and
they are warning drivers that they've heard every imaginable excuse and
apology from those caught not paying attention while driving.
"Our officers have already dealt with the victims and families linked to
eight distracted driving related fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads so
far this year (as of February 12, 2012)," said Deputy Commissioner
Larry Beechey, Provincial Commander, OPP Traffic Safety and Operational
Support. "It's alarming to see that these eight deaths represent a
more than 165 per cent spike in distracted driving fatalities compared
to this same time period last year. This needs to be a wake up call to
all drivers that no text, no phone call, no distraction behind the
wheel is worth a human life," added Beechey.
Using a cell phone or device capable of texting while driving can result
in a fine of $155 under Section 78.1 of the HTA. Watching an
entertainment device can result in a fine of $110 under Section 78 of
the HTA. Other forms of distracted driving can result in a charge of
Careless Driving with fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, a possible
licence suspension of up to two years and/or a jail term of not more
than six months, depending on the circumstances.
The OPP is reminding motorists that it will continue to target this
high-risk behaviour on Ontario roads throughout the year, around the
clock as part of its award-winning Provincial Traffic Safety Program
(PTSP), in its ongoing efforts to improve highway safety and save
lives.
Learn More
Distracted Driving Statistics
Tips To Avoid Distracted Driving
Provincial Traffic Safety Program
To view this news release in HTML formatting, please use the following URL: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2012/14/c4103.html
SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police
Contacts by OPP Region: Highway Safety Division: Sergeant Dave WoodfordPhone: (416)
553-5471 Central Region:Constable Peter LeonPhone: (705) 329-7414 Eastern
Region:Sergeant Kristine RaePhone: (613) 284-4557 Northeast Region:Ms. Patty
GyselPhone: (705) 475-2655 Northwest Region:Sergeant Shelley GarrPhone: (807)
473-2734 Western Region: Sergeant Dave Rektor Phone: (519) 652-4156
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