Distracted driving killed more people this year than drunk driving, say police

Police have been warning the public about the dangers of distracted driving for years, but new statistics suggest the problem may be getting worse.

Ontarians need to be as vigilant about avoiding distracted driving as they are about the “equally threatening” behaviour of impaired driver, the OPP said in a press release.

As of mid-August, the OPP investigated 38 deaths involving an inattentive driver, compared to 19 impaired driving-related deaths. Please keep in mind to focus your attention on your driving so a moment’s distraction doesn’t turn into a tragedy. “Speak up and insist that they focus on the road and on safe driving”, Blair said.

Distracted driving includes talking on a hand-held phone, texting, checking maps, and choosing music playlists while behind the wheel.

The OPP is calling on Ontarians to develop a similar level of public intolerance of these unsafe drivers that exists of impaired drivers. “Texting and driving is very risky, and puts everyone on the road at risk”, David Orazietti, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, said in a statement.

As thousands of people head to cottage and campsite for the last long weekend of summer, police are cracking down on distracted drivers.

Fines for distracted driving increased in 2015 and a person convicted of distracted driving may face a fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fees for a total of $490 and three demerit points. OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair says passengers should recognize the fact that this puts their own lives in danger.

In an effort to combat this troubling trend, the OPP, in partnership with Ontario’s transportation ministry, has designed four Onroute Highway Service Centres as “text stops”.