How many times do you have to be told to “Put down the phone”?
Police have been banging the drum about distracted driving for a few years and with May 17 to 23 National Road Safety Week, Durham Region is joining the campaign.
“We all have loved ones counting on us to get them safely to their destination and distracted driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving,” said Cynthia Rogers, a public health nurse with the health department. “Many people may not be aware, but reading a text is just as dangerous as sending one. We’re reminding residents to put down their phones while driving and also remember to slow down, as many people potentially head out over the upcoming long weekend.”
Distracted driving is the leading cause of traffic-related deaths in Ontario and texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times, compared to a driver who is focused on the road. Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, distracted driving may result in fines between $300 and $1,000, and three demerit points.
For more information, visit durham.ca/thinkanddrive. Information is also available by calling Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729.
Source: durhamregion.com