Police want you to be safe on the roads during the busy long weekend.
OPP Constable Suzanne Runciman says police will be checking for distracted driving and hope to educate people and keep the roads safe by cracking down on the offenders. Runciman says her best advice to drivers would be to keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and follow the speed limits. She adds drivers should avoid the temptation of getting distracted by a cell phone by putting the phone away or putting it on silent.
“A lot of people will put a message on their phone that explains that they’re driving and they’ll get back to them as soon as possible. And then another option would be if you have a passenger, they can pick up the phone for you.”
Runciman notes distracted driving is anything that can take your attention away from the road including: GPS, brushing hair and eating food. She also says the fines are quite high for distracted driving because it causes so many motor vehicle collisions.
“A fine for distracted driving is $490 and you lose three demerit points. If you’re a novice driver, your first offence, you’ll lose your license for 30 days.”
Fines can go as high as $2,000 if a person is convicted of careless driving.
