Promise to Focus on the Road

Toronto Police Service News Release

Promise to Focus on the Road, Tuesday July 29, 2014, 8 a.m., Shops on Steeles, Steeles & 404, 2900 Steeles Ave E, Markham, Northeast corner of Don Mills Road and Steeles Avenue.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 - 8:14 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Traffic safety continues to be a priority for the Toronto Police Service.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at 8 a.m. the Toronto Police Service in co-operation with York Regional Police (YRP) and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) launch a distracted driving awareness campaign.

Since 2009 the Toronto Police Service has laid almost 75,000 charges under the Highway Traffic Act section 78.1, this section addresses numerous forms of distracted driving offences, the current penalty for distracted driving related offences is $280.00.

A split second is all it takes to dramatically change the rest of your life. That is why the CAA Traffic Safety Coalition is reminding drivers to avoid distractions behind the wheel ahead of the upcoming long weekend.

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) in partnership with members of the CAA Traffic Safety Coalition will launch a six-week long distracted driving campaign encouraging drivers to focus on the road.

"We urge you to talk to your family and friends about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving and to focus on what’s important, driving and arriving safely at your destination," said Teresa Di Felice, Director of Government & Community Relations & Driver Education, CAA SCO.

"When operating a motor vehicle, drivers must focus on the task at hand; distractions regardless of its form put everyone’s life at risk including your own. Make the right choice to not drive distracted, make the promise to focus on the road" said Acting Superintendent Suzanne Redman of Toronto Police Service Traffic Services.

The Toronto Police Service is asking drivers to make a promise to their friends and family to end distracted driving and focus on the road.

Help reduce distractions behind the wheel:

Before you drive:

• Turn off your mobile device
• Stow and secure loose objects
• Pre-set climate control and radio
• Pre-program your GPS

While you are driving:

• Allow phone calls to go to voicemail
• Do not text, surf the web or read emails
• Do not eat, drink or smoke
• Do not fix hair or apply makeup
• Keep your eyes on the road
• Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Traffic Services