The Ministry of Transportation has launched a video campaign to raise awareness about distracted driving.
Distracted driving facts:
One person is Injured every 30 minutes from distracted driving
If you drive distracted you are 4 times more likely to get in a crash
Fines range from $490 – $1,000 including 3 demerit points
If you endanger someone because of distraction a more serious charge of careless driving could be imposed and could result in license suspension or up to 6 months in jail
Tips to avoid distracted driving
- turn off your phone or switch it to silent mode before you get in the car
- put it in the glove compartment (lock it, if you have to) or in a bag in the trunk
- let your friends know that you don’t use your phone when you drive and that if you don’t hear back that you’ll get back to them when safe.
- some apps can block incoming calls and texts, or send automatic replies to people trying to call or text you
- ask a passenger to take a call or respond to a text for you
- if you must respond, or have to make a call or send a text, carefully pull over to a safe area
Calling 911
- In an emergency, you can use your phone to call 911, but be sure to pull off the road to a safe area to make the call.
