OPP targeting distracted drivers in Labour Day weekend blitz

You’re excited for the upcoming Labour Day long weekend, and trying to soak up what’s left of summer. A road trip may even be in your plans.

But drivers heading out and about are being warned to keep their minds focused on the roads.

Officers with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be out in full force on roadways looking for distracted drivers.

So far this year, distracted driving has accounted for 41 deaths on OPP-patrolled roads, police say. The number of distracted driving-related crashes have also gone up 20 per cent compared to the same time last year.

This week, stiffer fines for distracted driving went into effect as part of the province’s new rules of the road. The rules also help protect cyclists, students and tow truck drivers.

Penalties for distracted driving will include an increased set fine of $490 and three demerit points upon conviction. Along with the new fine, a judge could further increase the amount up to $1,000, if the case goes to court.

Drivers without a full license will receive a 30-day suspension for the first conviction for distracted driving.

The Making Ontario Roads Safer Act, which was approved unanimously in June, is intended to crack down on distracted driving, through increased fines and demerit point penalties. Click here for a list of the fine changes.

Police are hoping the higher fines will curb the number of distracted driving-related deaths and crashes.

OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair said all forms of distracted driving – taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, and taking your mind off driving – “can endanger lives.”

However, he cautions “texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction. Leave the phone alone while driving.”

The OPP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation, has set up designated “Text Stops” at four ONroute Highway Service Centres – King City, Cambridge North, Woodstock and Port Hope – where drivers can stop and text.

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