Police in Hamilton, Ontario waged an enforcement campaign against distracted driving over the recent Victoria Day holiday weekend. An article detailing their efforts is available here.
Officers in each Division directed resources toward specific areas of concern—using high-visibility traffic-enforcement measures to reduce accidents, strengthen compliance, and raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.
About Distracted Driving
The National Safety Council (NSC) tells us close to 26% of all vehicle collisions involve cellphone use—and that spending five seconds reading a text at 90 kilometers per hour is equal to driving the length of a football field without looking. The Canadian government estimates healthcare costs and losses in productivity attributed to traffic accidents at $10 billion a year.
Penalties for Distracted Driving
Ontario drivers convicted of distracted driving can lose three demerit points from their licence—and face fines ranging from $300 to $1,000. Drivers on a Graduated Licensing System also face a minimum 30-day suspension for a first offence, while a second offence can result in a 90-day suspension. Subsequent offences can cause a driver to be removed from the Graduated Licensing System and have their driving privileges revoked.
About Enforcement in Hamilton
In Ontario, sources say distracted driving contributes to more accidents than driving under the influence of alcohol. Police officials extend their concerns beyond just cellphone use. The City of Hamilton defines distracted driving as “any activity that distracts the driver from safely operating their vehicle.” These activities include:
- Reading/Writing
- Eating/Drinking
- Using Electronics
- Smoking
- Personal Grooming
- Tending to Children
- Tending to Animals
- Talking with Passengers
We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, call Cariati Law at 905-629-8040 for help. When you call, you will speak with an experienced Toronto Car Accident Lawyer absolutely FREE. We will investigate your case, handle all the paperwork, and manage your entire claim—so you can focus on your recovery.
At Cariati Law our top Car Accident Lawyers will investigate every detail of your case for free. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing up front. In fact, we only get paid after you do—and if there is no recovery, there is no lawyers fee.
Contact one of our Toronto Car Accident Lawyers at 905-629-8040 for help today.
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