As the OPP completed its annual distracted driving campaign earlier this week, police confirmed 2015 marked the third consecutive year that driver distraction was the leading cause of road deaths on OPP-patrolled roads.
Last year, 69 people died in road crashes in which driver distraction was a factor, compared to 61 deaths in speed-related crashes, 51 related to seat belts and 45 to alcohol and drugs.
“If you are texting, talking on your cell phone or pre-occupied with other activities while behind the wheel, you are not driving safely,” said OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes.
“It does not suffice to keep your eyes on the road. Driving involves sharing space with drivers, their passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians and it is impossible to do so safely unless your eyes and mind are solely focused on driving.”
Numerous studies on the risks of distracted driving – in particular texting or talking on a cell phone while driving – have confirmed this form of distracted driving is as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
From 2013 to 2015 OPP officers have laid approximately 20,000 distracted driving charges annually throughout the province, which is more than double the number of impaired driving charges laid over the same period.
Over and above cell phone use, the OPP continues to lay numerous charges against motorists whose driving ability is compromised by other distractions such as eating, self-grooming, tending to kids in the back seat to name a few.
“Distracted driving is just not worth it,” states Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
“We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe and I want to remind everyone to go hands-free and put your hand-held devices away. It can mean all the difference.”
The OPP is encouraging passengers of all ages to “Take charge of your own safety and speak up when you are in vehicle being driven by someone who is not paying attention to the road …” police say.
On Sept. 1 fines and penalties for distracted driving were increased. To learn more visit www.mto.gov.on.ca.
