Be Vigilant about Distracted Driving

A safe community is a good community. It is our pleasure to support our local Dufferin OPP by helping get the word out to citizens about important messages they have to share. In this space we will share messages directly from the OPP communications team.

Be Vigilant about Distracted Driving

So far this year, 41 deaths have been attributed to distracted driving on OPP-patrolled roads and the number of collisions caused by distracted drivers is up twenty percent compared to this time last year.

While police are committed to raising awareness about the dangers of driving while distracted, they are also enforcing new legislation that carries tough new penalties that go with it.

• As of September 1st, the new set fine for distracted driving is $490 and 3 demerit points.
• If contested, drivers can be fined up to $1000 upon conviction for inattentive driving. Police are serious about this deadly driving practise,
• and the OPP is hopeful that higher fines will help reduce the number of distracted driving-related deaths and collisions on Ontario roads.

Four ONroute Highway Service Centres now offer designated “Text Stops” where travellers are encouraged to stop and text. The partnership between the Ministry of Transportation and the OPP has officials hopeful that the new “Text Stops” will keep motorists from reaching for a cell phone while the vehicle is in motion. The four service centre locations include King City, Cambridge North, Woodstock and Port Hope.

Drivers who do the following endanger lives of Dufferin County residences

• taking your eyes off the road,
• taking your hands off the wheel,
• taking your mind off driving

Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction. Leave the phone alone while driving. Dufferin County OPP encourages drivers to drive defensively.

End your summer safely. Don’t drive distracted. It could kill you or someone you love. Drive responsibly and respect the lives of everyone on Ontario roads.