Cobourg Police – Distracted Driving Enforcement – November S.T.E.P.

Pete Fisher
4 years ago
• Categories: Police Blotter

The Cobourg Police Service is determined to make our community roadways as safe as possible through education and enforcement. The Cobourg Police Service has enhanced our traffic patrols with the implementation of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (S.T.E.P.); the project is focusing on a different topic monthly.
The Cobourg Police Service S.T.E.P. for November will focus on distracted driving enforcement in the Town of Cobourg with specific attention to texting and driving. Drivers who check their phones while driving are up to eight times more likely to be in a crash. (A.A.A. Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2017). About 26% of all car crashes involve phone use, including hands-free phone use (National Safety Council). Police officers and special constables from the Cobourg Police Service will be conducting distracted driving enforcement throughout the month, reminding community members of the dangers and consequences of driving distracted.

The offences contrary to the Highway Traffic Act (H.T.A.) are the following sections:

78 Drive – display screen visible to driver
Driving a motor vehicle on a highway with the display screen of a television, computer or other device in motor vehicle visible to the driver.

78.1(1) Drive – Hand-held communication device & 78.1(2) Drive – Hand-held entertainment device Driving a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device or hand-held electronic entertainment device.

The above fines start at $615.00 and with a maximum of $3000.00, with up to six demerit points. Further, driver’s licence suspensions of three days upon first conviction, seven days upon a second conviction, and 30 days for a third and subsequent convictions.

More information and statistics related to distracted driving and texting and driving can be found at CAA.ca.

Driving requires your full attention. The Cobourg Police Service encourages community members to pay attention at all times while driving, including when you are stopped in traffic or at a red light. Here are some tips to help avoid distracted driving:
• Plan your route ahead of time. Before you get in the car, know where you’re going and how you’re getting there. If you use a G.P.S. system, program your route before starting the vehicle.

• Put your cellphone away. Keep your cellphone out of your reach. Reduce the temptation to use it by keeping it out of sight and turn the ringer off.

• Avoid eating and drinking while driving. If you need to take a drink, wait until you are stopped at a red light.

• Keep your music or radio at a reasonable volume. Music should never be so loud that you would not be able to hear a siren or the screech of brakes from another vehicle. Set your music or radio ahead of time.

• Secure objects in the vehicle. Place any items like purses, backpacks and coats in the trunk or safely tucked behind the seat on the ground so they will not go flying if you have to brake in an emergency. Don’t reach for items while driving.