Monday, February 1, 2010

Following the end of the three-month grace period in which approximately 20 drivers were issued warnings for operating a hand-held device, as of today, the 1st of February, 2010, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service will be enforcing the new distracted driving laws by issuing tickets for the charges of Driving with Display Screen Visible to Driver and Operating a Hand-Held Communication Device or Entertainment Device While Driving, contrary to Sections 78 and 78.1 of the Highway Traffic Act. The set fine for these offences will carry a penalty of $125.

The consequences of losing your focus on the road can be serious, even fatal. Studies show that a driver using a cell phone is four times more likely to be involved in a collision than a driver who is completely focused on driving. Dialling and texting has been found to carry the highest degree of risk of all cell phone-related
activities.

No phone call or email is worth more than your safety or the safety of other motorists or pedestrians.

By following these safety messages, drivers can stay focused while driving:

• Do not receive phone calls, texts or emails while driving
• Keep your hands on the wheel and avoid using any hand-held device while driving
• Driving requires your complete and undivided attention, the driver’s seat is no place to multi-task
• Be a responsible caller - don’t call, text or email someone if you know they are driving