OPP Conducts Distracted Driving Campaign – March Break

In Police Blotter

Over March Break, the Ontario Provincial Police will be highly focused on what has been the deadliest kind of driver on OPP-patrolled roads for the fifth consecutive year – the inattentive driver.

Inattentive drivers were behind 83 road fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads in 2017, surpassing speed-related deaths (75), alcohol/drug-related deaths (46) and those that are linked to lack of seat belt use (49).

Since 2009 (the year Ontario Distracted Driving laws took effect), 692 have been killed on OPP-patrolled roads in collisions that involved an inattentive driver.

“By now, the majority of drivers and passengers have witnessed, had a close call or been involved in a collision with a driver who was texting, talking on t heir cell phone or engaged in some other form of distraction. Last year, the OPP responded to 8,711 crashes that were linked to driver inattention. – OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.

DID YOU KNOW?

If convicted of distracted driving, a fully licenced driver will receive:

  • a fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $490 if settled out of court
  • fine of up to $1,000 if you receive a summons or fight your ticket
  • three demerit points applied to your driver’s record
  • Drivers who endanger others because of any distraction, including hand-held and hands-free devices, may still be charged with Careless Driving under the&nbs p;Highway Traffic Act or even Dangerous Driving under the Criminal Code of Canada. Both charges carry heavy fines and penalties.
Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Video – Eleven Motor Vehicles Removed from Service Following Commerical Motor Vehicle Inspection

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpQNUAkZ26g A total of 11 motor vehicles were removed from service after Cobourg Police held a Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection. Cobourg

Read More...

Video – Photo Gallery – Northumberland Scottish Festival and Highland Games

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDRoX60ioFk The Northumberland Scottish Festival and Highland Games kicked off in Port Hope on Friday, June 20, 2025. The 61st annual

Read More...

Northumberland OPP – Home Break-In During Daytime Hours

Members from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are currently investigating a recent break and enter

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu