The North Bay Police Service is targeting distracted driving throughout November.
Since the start of the month, it has already laid five charges against drivers using cell phones.
According to the Government of Ontario, approximately one person is injured in a distracted-driving-related collision every half-hour in the province.
"While checking your phone may seem insignificant to you, a driver using their phone while operating a motor vehicle is four times more likely to crash than a driver who is focused on the road," says a release.
Penalties are significant. The minimum fine for a first offence is $615, three demerit points on your license, as well as a three-day licence suspension upon conviction. The fine can increase up to $1,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose.
Additionally, motorists convicted of the offence will need to pay a $281 licence reinstatement fee to regain their driving privileges.
Since 2019, insurance companies consider a Distracted Driving conviction a major offence, and may significantly increase rates for up to three years as a result.
There are exceptions to the use of smartphones while driving. You can take calls if they are hands-free. You can also mount your phone to your dash to use certain applications, such as a GPS while you are driving.
"If you have a passenger, ask them to answer your phone, change a song, or send a text for you so you can stay focused on the road," says the release.
The North Bay Police Service’s Traffic Section is deployed throughout the city, targeting known problem areas for enforcement. A few examples of problem areas for distracted driving include Algonquin Ave at Front Street, McIntyre St E at John Street, and multiple areas along Lakeshore Drive.
“This enhanced enforcement campaign is meant to draw attention to the serious consequences of driving while distracted and to hold people accountable for the decisions they make while behind the wheel,” said North Bay Police Service Inspector Jeff Warner. “It takes a matter of seconds for a child to run out into the street unexpectedly or for the driver in front of you to suddenly stop. By having your eyes diverted from what’s in front of you, life altering tragedies can occur."
