Police blitz nets 89 distracted drivers
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As part of the Leave the Phone Alone distracted driving enforcement campaign, Ottawa police officers conducted a city-wide enforcement blitz targeting drivers using cell phones on Sept. 23.
In total, 39 provincial offence notices were issued for handheld communication device, 37 notices for other offences and 33 warnings.
The fine for a handheld communication device is $490 and three demerit points.
“Driving requires your full attention and distracted driving puts yourself and others at risk,” said Ottawa Police east division traffic Sgt. Denis Hull. “The goal of the blitz is to remind drivers that it’s impossible to use your phone and drive safely.”
Distracted driving was listed as the number one concern of residents in the police’s 2015 public survey.
Everyone has a role to play in preventing texting or talking while driving, said police:
· Drivers can simply put the phone away while driving;
· Passengers can remind drivers to focus on their driving if they reach for the phone;
· Children can remind parents not to drive distracted;
· Phone users can first ensure that the person they are calling or texting isn’t driving. If they are, tell them to wait until they can safely talk or text.
Take the pledge not to text and drive at leavethephonealone.ca/pledge.php.
Source: Ottawa Community News