Driving is such a daily activity, we can easily forget that it’s a complex task requiring skill, concentration and alertness. In the rush from Point A to Point B, we may not always be mindful of the responsibility involved in piloting two tons of moving steel, glass and plastic. Given the potentially deadly consequences of doing a poor job, doesn’t it make sense to bring your best self to the task?
Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April is a united effort to recognize the dangers of and eliminate preventable deaths from distracted driving.
Cell phones, dashboard touchscreens, voice commands and other in-vehicle technologies pose a threat to our safety. The consequences of those distractions are not worth the convenience they offer. Ignore the distractions and #justdrive to keep us all safer on the roads.
Penalties for distracted driving
The easiest way to avoid penalties for distracted driving is to not use a hand-held device when you’re behind the wheel.
In Ontario, it’s against the law to use hand-held communication (e.g. your phone) and electronic entertainment devices (e.g. DVD player, e-reader) while driving.
In fact, simply holding a phone or other device while driving is against the law.
You can use:
a hands-free device (e.g. Bluetooth) but only to turn it on and off
a mounted device (e.g. phone, GPS) as long as it is secure – not moving around while driving
If convicted, the penalty you face depends on the kind of licence you hold and how long you’ve been driving.
