Keep your eyes on the road

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE
POLICE SERVICE

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Road safety is a priority for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

One of the most common complaints received by our Traffic Services Section is the number of persons driving distracted.

Distracted driving refers to all forms of distracted or inattentive driving, such as adjusting a vehicle's entertainment or GPS unit or stereo, eating and drinking, using a hand-held device, self-grooming or tending to children in the backseat.

Drivers must understand that the true danger to public safety while driving lies in the distraction, not the device.

There are three main types of distraction:

• Visual –taking your eyes off the road
• Manual-taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive-taking your mind off what you are doing

Solid research shows that distracted drivers are more likely to cause collisions and serious injury than impaired drivers. 

There are exemptions for using a handheld communication device and they are:    

• To contact Police, Fire or EMS Services
• While using it in conjunction with a hands free device (Bluetooth type devices) and
• The phone may be used if all of the following are present:
  • The motor vehicle is off the roadway or is lawfully parked on the roadway
  • The motor vehicle is not in motion
  • The motor vehicle is not impeding traffic.

Motorists are reminded that the offence is committed when the driver holds or uses one of these devices, so therefore checking call logs, emails, or texting are all prohibited.

During March officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Traffic Services and Patrol Services will be conducting a month long blitz which specifically targets distracted drivers.

If you are stopped by officers you could receive a fine of $280.

Every licensed driver has a responsibility to direct his or her compete attention to driving safely.

Do your part to keep our roads safe.

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