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Distracted driving is one of the biggest issues on Ontario roadways today. It has surpassed impaired driving as the number one killer on the roads, and it is an issue that drivers need to take more seriously. 1 in 5 road fatalities are attributed to driving while distracted.
This is very concerning as distracted driving is preventable. If each driver were to do their part and be more dedicated to avoiding driving while distracted, countless accidents, injuries, and deaths could be prevented on Canadian roads.
As of January 1st, 2019 penalties for distracted driving in the province are increasing. Fines for distracted driving in Ontario are now among the highest in Canada.
Distracted driving is the act of driving while being distracted by other things or activities that take a driver's attention away from the road. Mobile phones, texting, eating, talking with other passengers, and changing the radio or GPS are common distractions.
Driving while distracted is dangerous because it increases the likelihood of an accident. It takes a driver's eyes and attention off the road and compromises the safety of the driver, passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians.
To clear up any misunderstanding as to what is considered distracted driving and what is not, here is a distracted driving definition from the RCMP :
“Distracted driving is a form of impaired driving as a driver's judgment is compromised when they are not fully focused on the road. Distracted driving qualifies as talking on a cell phone, texting, reading (e.g., books, maps, and newspapers), using a GPS, watching videos or movies, eating/drinking, smoking, personal grooming, adjusting the radio/CD and playing extremely loud music. Even talking to passengers and driving while fatigued (mentally and/or physically) can be forms of distracted driving.”
The distracted driving laws in Ontario have changed quite a bit over the past few years. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, it is against the law to :
Cell phones are not the only handheld devices restricted by Ontario's current distracted driving laws. Here are some common handheld devices that you should NEVER use while driving :
According to Section 78 the Highway Traffic Act :
78. (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway if the display screen of a television, computer or other devices in the motor vehicle is visible to the driver.
2. Part VI of the Act is amended by adding the following section :
78.1 (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a handheld wireless communication device or other prescribed device that is capable of receiving or transmitting telephone communications, electronic data, mail or text messages.
(2) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a handheld electronic entertainment device or other prescribed device, the primary use of which is unrelated to the safe operation of the motor vehicle.
Hands-free mode allowed
(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), a person may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while using a device described in those subsections in hands-free mode.
There are certain hands-free devices that you can use that do not fall under the current distracted driving laws. GPS, hands-free phones, built-in display screens and others can be used.
Here is a list the MTO provides for permitted hands free devices :
Why drivers still engage in distracted driving practices and put themselves and others at risk is still somewhat of a mystery.
Distracted driving fines and penalties continue to change in Ontario. Drivers need to be aware of the repercussions of having a distracted driving charge on their record.
Drivers can no longer get away with a warning if caught driving while distracted. You will be fined and be subject to demerit points, which will increase how much you pay for car insurance in Ontario.
Fines and demerit points are listed below. A driver’s license suspension will also be added to the penalties. Here is a breakdown of the new distracted driving laws :
Novice drivers (G1, G2, M1, M2 licences) face the same fines and penalties as fully licensed drivers. You will not receive demerit points. You will face the following suspensions instead :
Nearly 3 of out 4 Canadian drivers admit to driving distracted. It also means that the driver in front of you, behind you and beside you has probably driven while being distracted. Scary thought, right?
Here is an even scarier one – you are 23 times more likely to crash if you engage in texting and driving. This is only the beginning of distracted driving stats and facts that you need to be aware of.
According to the MTO website, research demonstrates that “drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a collision than drivers who focus on the road. And when drivers take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds, their crash risk doubles.”
Considering these distracted driving statistics, it’s not that surprising that the OPP recently reported that distracted driving is the number one killer on our roads, causing more deaths than impaired driving and speeding.
Here are some shocking statistics about distracted driving in the province :
So, what percent of accidents are caused by distracted drivers? It’s estimated that close to two-thirds (64%) of accidents result from a distracted driving action.
Here are some additional distracted driving facts and statistics :
There are some exceptions and situations where safe cell phone use is permitted. You can call 911 in an emergency, and you can use handheld devices when you are lawfully parked or have safely pulled off the road and are not impeding traffic.
The RCMP explains : “There are special circumstances under which it is safe to use a cellular device. If you see a hazardous driver swerving or driving erratically, safely pullover with your hazard lights on and call 9-1-1. Gather as many details as you can, including the direction in which the car was going, the street, and the vehicle make and model. Knowing the license plate number can help too.”
Emergency personnel such as police, firefighters, and EMS can use cell phones while driving. “Commercial and public transit drivers, as well as public service workers who are engaged in the performance of their duties, will be able to view the display screens of mobile data terminals and logistical tracking and dispatching devices,” says MTO.
There are plenty of ways people can get distracted while driving. Here’s a ranking of secondary behaviours among drivers and their frequency, as outlined in a recent IIHS study :
Distracted driving is dangerous because it takes your eyes and attention off the road. It only takes a second for something to happen, and you need to be prepared to react.
Distracted driving can lead to :
Being convicted of distracted driving while putting others in danger could have even more severe consequences. MTO explains :
“Drivers who endanger others because of any distraction, including handheld and hands-free devices, may still be charged with Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act or even Dangerous Driving under the Criminal Code of Canada."
Depending on the result of driving while distracted, you could also face dangerous driving charges. Dangerous driving is a criminal offence. You could face :
Distracted driving laws in Canada vary from province to province. Currently, all 10 provinces and Northwest Territories have laws against distracted driving. Here are some interesting findings of the distracted driving laws in Canada :
In general, driving distractions can be categorized into three general types :
A distracted driving conviction can have a significant impact on your car insurance quotes. In addition to fines and demerit points, you may need to get high-risk auto insurance. Getting a distracted driving ticket could :
Here are 11 great tips to stop being a distracted driver :
If caught driving while distracted, you will face fines and demerit points on your driving record. Starting in 2019, you will also face a license suspension. Distracted driving tickets come with three demerit points. Under the new laws in Ontario, you could receive up to 6 demerit points for multiple convictions within a 5 year period.
Tens of thousands of auto accidents are caused by distracted driving in Ontario each year. Its estimate 80% of all accidents are a result of driving while distracted. Since 2009, close to 700 people have died in Ontario as a result of distracted driving accidents. Yes. Eating food while driving is considered distracted driving, but it is not illegal. Drinking coffee while driving could be considered distracted driving if you cause an accident. It is not technically illegal.
You have a choice when you get behind the wheel. Make a smart choice and choose NOT to drive while distracted. Put the phone away, focus on the road, and keep car insurance quotes more affordable.
Ontario Distracted Driving Laws, Fines And FAQs
Mar 2, 2021
About Distracted Driving In Ontario
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted Driving Definition
What Are The Distracted Driving Laws And Rules In Ontario?
Ontario Highway Traffic Act And Distracted Driving
Wireless communication devices
Is Using A Hands Free Device Considered Distracted Driving?
Why Do Ontarians Continue To Drive While Distracted?
What Are The Fines And Penalties For Distracted Driving In Ontario?
Fines, Demerit Points And Suspensions For Fully Licensed Drivers
First Distracted Driving Conviction
Second Distracted Driving Conviction Within 5 Years
Third and Subsequent Distracted Driving Conviction Within 5 Years
What Are The Distracted Driving Penalties For Novice Drivers?
Distracted Driving Statistics in Canada
Ontario Distracted Driving Statistics
Additional Distracted Driving Facts and Statistics
(source)
Are There Exceptions To The Distracted Driving Laws?
What Other Ways Are Drivers Distracted If They Are Not Using Their Phone?
How Does Being Distracted Affect Your Driving Abilities?
Distracted Driving Could Be Considered Careless Or Dangerous Driving
Distracted Driving Laws In Other Provinces
What Are The Primary Types Of Distracted Driving?
How Does A Distracted Driving Conviction Affect Your Insurance?
Tips To Avoid Distractions While Driving
Ontario Distracted Driving FAQs
How To Stop Distracted Driving
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