OPP says motorists are still using cell phones while driving
Posted June 3, 2010 7:57 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LONDON, Ont. – OPP say motorists are not getting the message when it comes to distracted driving.
Since the law banning drivers from using distracting electronic devices went into effect in February, provincial police have issued 2,279 distracted driving charges.
Last month, Toronto police said they ticketed 4,400 drivers in the first three months of enforcing the new law.
The three types of charges under the new law are holding a communications device, using a handheld entertainment device, and having a display screen visible to the driver.
Motorists caught being distracted by electronic communications such as texting or talking face a fine of $155.
And police say if the officer feels it’s warranted, more serious charges such as careless driving or dangerous driving can be laid.
Distracted drivers are “not hard to identify on the highway,” said provincial police Insp. Mark Wright.
“They are the ones all over the road, travelling at irregular speeds.”
