For the first time since Ontario distracted driving laws were introduced in 2009, the OPP is reporting that driver inattention-related road deaths are poised to double the number of impaired-related deaths this year.
Studies show that a driver using a cell phone is four times more likely to be in a collision than a driver focused on the road. Other studies show that dialling and texting carry the highest degree of risk of all cell phone-related activities.
There are three types of distractions when driving:
- Visual – taking your eyes off the road;
- Manual – taking your hands off the wheel; and
- Cognitive – taking your mind off of driving
All of these can endanger lives, but texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions. The fine for driving while holding a handheld device or having a screen visible to the driver is now $490 and three demerit points.
The law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial and/or email using hand-held cell phones or other hand-held communication and entertainment devices. 'Hands-free' means that the device is not held during use and the driver is not physically interacting with or manipulating it. Actions such as dialling, scrolling through contacts, or manually programming a GPS device, for example, are illegal.
“Distracted driving remains one on the primary causes of motor vehicle collisions in the area. One moment of inattention can irreparably change your life and/or the lives of others. Many families and students will be travelling over this long weekend. 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.
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