Driver distraction was a factor in two of the four fatal motor vehicle collisions the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated over the Labour Day Long Weekend, pushing the number of 2014 distraction-related roads deaths up to 39 in OPP jurisdictions.
The drivers lost their lives over the same weekend that the OPP deployed its 10 re-purposed distracted driving enforcement Sports utility vehicles across the province.
While the vehicles will be enforcing Ontario’s distracted driving legislation full-time, these latest road tragedies reinforce the need for drivers, passengers and all other road users to become part of the solution.
Police urge drivers to always pay full attention to driving and make a full-time habit of turning off electronic hand-held device until pulling over or reaching their destination. A passenger being driven by someone who is talking on their cell phone, texting or distracted in some other way, should firmly ask that they stop this dangerous behaviour and tell them that they do not feel safe, even if the driver erroneously tries to reassure they are able to drive safely while distracted.
As of the end of the Labour Day Weekend, the OPP has laid more than 11,500 prohibit hand-held devices charges in Ontario so far this year.
“Our officers are working as hard as ever to eliminate the senseless deaths that occur because of distracted driving, but more needs to be done and we are asking the public to get on board,” said Chief Superintendent Chuck Cox, Commander, OPP Highway Safety Division.
“People have the ability to help positively influence the behaviour change that is needed on the part of those drivers who still feel that they can safely drive while distracted. Help make distracted driving socially unacceptable by spreading the word to family, friends, co-workers and school mates that there is no such thing as a safe distracted driver – distracted driving kills.”
The OPP would like to thank the many Ontario residents and visitors who did their part to ensure that they and their families made it through a safe long weekend on roads, waterways and trails.
