Another long weekend, another OPP Safety Blitz. This Labour Day weekend, the OPP will be on the roads looking out for distracted driving.
For the first time since 2009, when Distracted Driving laws were introduced, there have been more deaths involving car accidents with distracted drivers than impaired drivers this year. The OPP has investigated 38 deaths where an inattentive driver was involved, compared to 19 deaths where an impaired driver was involved.
While police are trying to create more awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, they are also calling on passengers to help decrease the amount of distracted driving.
“Don’t be a passenger of a distracted driver. Recognize that they are endangering your life. Speak up and insist that they focus on the road and on safe driving. By not doing so, you are contributing to the problem. Since 2009, our officers have investigated more than 600 road deaths that involved an inattentive driver. Consider how many of those innocent lives could have been saved had someone else in the vehicle intervened.”
– OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.
The biggest cause of distracted driving is using a communication or entertainment devices. The consequences of using one while driving are severe:
- a fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fee
- a fine of up to $1,000 if you receive a summons
- three demerit points on your driving record
- for novice or young drivers, a suspension of your licence
However, distracted driving does not just mean talking or texting on a cell phone. Watching movies, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, playing loud music, tending to kids in the back seat, checking your reflection in the mirror, talking to others in the car while you are mentally or physically exhausted are all considered types of distracted driving
Those kinds of distracted driving can land you with a careless driving charge, which carries even heftier consequences:
- 6 demerit points
- Fines of up to $2000 and/or jail time of up to 6 months
- Up to 2 year licence suspension
You can even be charged with dangerous driving which is a criminal offence and includes jail time of up to 5 years.
So this weekend keep your mind and eyes on the road, avoid distracting activities while driving, and take regular breaks from driving to avoid becoming fatigued.
Every situation is different. Remember you have a right to fight your ticket. At Bulwark Legal Services we provide free consultations. You can go to our website and send us a copy of your ticket. We will help you decide the right course of action to take.
