Police conducted a traffic safety enforcement project Saturday morning, stopping 10 vehicles for distracted driving offences and others for various other Highway Traffic Act offences.
The project, dubbed “Operation Snow Blind”, targeted distracted driving and seat belt infractions at the intersection of St. Paul and Ontario streets in downtown St. Catharines.
At this time, the temperature was -3 C, and the roads were wet and slippery. Police say these conditions, combined with distracted driving, were a concern, as the safety of the driver, passenger, bystanders and those in other vehicles were compromised.
The operation had police in both plain clothes and uniform using unmarked vehicles to conduct traffic enforcement.
Between 10 a.m. and noon, 19 motorists were issued provincial offence notices for Highway Traffic Act and Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act offences. Of those charged, 10 drivers were operating their vehicles while holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device or other prescribed devices that are capable of receiving or transmitting telephone communications, electronic data, mail or text messages.
Two drivers were charged with failing to properly wear seat belts. Others were issued notices for failing to surrender insurance cards, failing to surrender permits for motor vehicles and driving a motor vehicle without current validated plates.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police traffic hotline 905-688-4111, ext. 5555 with any traffic concerns.
Source: Niagara This Week