(KINCARDINE, ON.) – As of February 1, 2010 a roadside fine of $155.00 was announced as the penalty for distracted driving. The Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act 2009 became law on October 26, 2009. It prohibits the use of devices a driver may use while their vehicle is in motion, with the following exceptions:
o GPS navigation device
o Hand held communication device WITH hands free system only
o Vehicle gauges/Vehicle information systems
o Collision avoidance systems
o Transportation tracking systems
Between February 1, 2010 and February 8, 2010, a total of 50 charges were laid and an additional 71 warnings were given across the Province. Although no charges have been laid in the South Bruce Detachment area, Distracted Driving is a legitimate threat to roadway safety and traffic is constantly being monitored for distracted drivers.
The South Bruce OPP would like to remind motorists that Distracted Driving is only one part of a strategic enforcement roadway safety strategy. The OPP is committed to promoting traffic safety in all areas including aggressive driving, impaired driving, speeding and seatbelt use.