Distracted Driving: Summary of New Ontario Announcement
Ontario provincial police laid 19,000 distracted driving charges last year
There is no doubt that texting and driving is a major concern in Ontario and across the country. Even though recent attempts by Premier Kathleen Wynn to revise the current distracted driving laws failed prior the June election, Ontario Transportation Minister, Stephen Del Duca, says that tougher distracted driving laws are on the way when the Ontario legislatures resume on October 20th.
“I think this is really important for our government to draw a line in the sand, so to speak, and make sure people understand that we can’t let it spiral out of control, that we do need to get a handle on it very clearly,” said Del Duca at a news conference on August 25th.
As speculated in the past, the provincial government plans to introduce new distracted driving laws that come with a $1000 fine and three demerit points – a significant increase to the current fines.
“We have to make sure that we push hard, that we introduce penalties that will serve as a deterrent, but that we also raise public awareness to make sure people do understand very clearly what the consequences could be for making the wrong decision,” Del Duca said.
If passed, the new distracted driving laws would make them the most severe of all provinces in the country. Considering that Ontario is the largest province with the highest population, setting the bar and cracking down on distracted driving could be the driving force for other provinces to review fines and punishments as well.
Distracted Driving Stats
Current fines in Ontario are up to $280 and no demerit points
Distracted driving plays a role in 30 to 50 per cent of collisions in the province – OPP
Insurance Bureau of Canada suggested distracted drivers are now more of a danger than drunk drivers
36 per cent of Ontario students in Grades 10 through 12 admitted to using their phone while driving a car, either to text someone or send an email - Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Read More About The Proposed Laws Here:
Texting while driving could lead to $1,000 fine, 3 demerits
New Ontario drivers, take note of impending harsher distracted driving penalty
Ontario Liberals reintroducing bill to toughen penalties for distracted driving