Now, for the first time since introducing the ban on cellphone use while driving, the OPP declared that the number of “driver inattention-related” road deaths are on the verge of doubling the number of impaired-related deaths this year.
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According to police statistics, the OPP have investigated 38 on-road deaths in 2016 involving inattentive drivers, and 19 involving impaired drivers – a gap that has never been seen before. Please do not forget to focus your attention on your driving so a moment’s distraction doesn’t turn into a tragedy. “All drivers are urged to focus on the road and arriving safely at their destination.” said Staff Sergeant Laura Houliston, Commander of the North Bay OPP Detachment. OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair says passengers should recognize the fact that this puts their own lives in danger.
“Texting and driving is very unsafe, and puts everyone on the road at risk”, adds David Orazietti, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
Distracted driving includes talking on a hand-held phone, texting, checking maps, and choosing music playlists while behind the wheel. “Consider how many of those innocent lives could have been saved had someone else in the vehicle intervened.” says Blair.
The OPP is calling on residents to develop a similar level of public intolerance of distracted drivers that exists with impaired drivers.
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Ontario stiffened penalties for distracted driving last fall, with a set fine of $490 that a judge could increase to $1,000, plus three demerit points on conviction.
