OPP’s Annual Distracted Driving Blitz Continues Through March Break

Ontario, Canada – It’s March Break which will put an increased number of young drivers on the roads and with that an increased number of potential fatalities. This is because statistics show that drivers who simultaneously attempt to view or update the screens on their tablets, smartphones, or even laptops end up killing more people on the roads in Canada’s most populous province than impaired driving or even reckless driving.

This is according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) which reported that last year 78 people died on the roads at the hands of distracted drivers. Driving under the influence and excessive speeding claimed 57 and 44 lives respectively. Therefore, in a bid to promote public awareness and save lives, the OPP has announced they are going to crack down hard on distracted driving during a special blitz meant to coincide with the March Break. The fine for distracted driving is $155 but as of the 18th, it will jump to $280.

The steep increase was approved earlier this week by Chief Justice Annemarie Bonkalo who expressed concern that lives are being lost because drivers are multitasking while driving particular to send text messages or e-mails while driving. Sometimes drivers go to perilous lengths to communicate their messages by driving hands free to text while holding the steering wheel in place with their knees. The OPP is concerned that far too many people are either not aware of the dangers of distracted driving or do not care. They aim to change that.

Source:
OPP launch distracted driving blitz on Saturday
http://www.570news.com/2014/03/07/opp-launch-distracted-driving-blitz-on-saturday/

Distracted driving blitz by OPP starts Saturday
http://www.ckwstv.com/2014/03/04/distracted-driving-blitz-by-opp-starts-saturday/