Ontario Provincial Police News Portal [Corporate Communications GHQ] NEW
PREVENTION VIDEO ON TEXTING AND DRIVING 2015-05-04 NEW PREVENTION VIDEO ON
TEXTING AND DRIVING
(HAWKESBURY, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has just
released a new prevention video on Texting and Driving. The video,
produced by Constable Pierre Dubois of the Hawkesbury OPP Detachment, aims at
discouraging drivers from picking up their cell phones and other related devices
while they are at the wheel.
The OPP reminds the community that the consequences of “texting and
driving” can be disastrous. The video, called “Sounds of Texting”
focuses on the sounds and emotions related to the negative impacts of distracted
driving.
The OPP regularly investigates collisions that are a direct cause of
distracted driving and the number of incidents related to distracted driving has
significantly increased over the years.
In Ontario, drivers caught with a cell phone in their hands are eligible to
receive:
· a fine of $225, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $280
if settled out of court
· a fine of up to $500 if you receive a summons
If you endanger others because of any distraction, including both hand-held
and hands-free devices, you can also be charged with Careless Driving. If
convicted, you will automatically receive:
· six demerit points
· fines up to $2,000 and/or
· a jail term of six months
· up to two-year licence suspension
You can even be charged with dangerous driving (a criminal offence), with
jail terms of up to five years.
You can make a difference by sharing this information with friends and family
members. You can also set a good the example for others as you drive by taking
these easy steps to avoid being distracted:
- Use your cell phone only when you're parked.
- Have a passenger take the call.
- Let calls go to voicemail.
- Turn off your cell phone before you start driving.
- Identify and preset your vehicle's climate control, radio and CD player.
- Plan your route and set your GPS before you leave.
The message in this new video confirms the obvious… you can get caught “red
handed” and receive a fine. But consequences could even be worse where they
could lead to heavier fines, jail, injuries and even death.
Hawkesbury OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Bryan MacKillop says,
“someone’s family member or friend is sharing the roadway with you. Protect
others, protect yourself. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and your hands on
the steering wheel at all times so that everyone makes it home safely.”
For more information on the dangers of Distracted Driving or to view the
“Sounds of Texting” video, please visit the OPP’s YouTube channel available at
www.OPP.ca or by clicking on the following
link: https://youtu.be/wukfLIODzzE
.
