Thousands of motorists ticketed for using handheld devices since ban
Posted May 10, 2010 11:48 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – It seems people are still having trouble putting down their cellphones when they are behind the wheel.
That’s because since the ban on handheld devices when driving came into effect three months ago, police said they have handed out nearly 4,400 tickets.
Sgt. Tim Burrows, with Traffic Services, told 680News this is a shocking number.
“[…] It’s almost like Pavlov’s dog – where we hear the beep and we start salivating for that message. What is it, what am I going to miss – if I don’t look at this thing right away,” he explained.
But, Burrows said there is zero tolerance when it comes to distracted driving.
Although he noted drivers were following the new law at first, he said police have noticed an increase in offences as motorists slide back into old habits.
People who are caught using a handheld gadget will be fined $155 and for those who chose to fight it, the judge could end up raising the fine to as much as $500.
