“Don’t Drive Distracted”

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory, Monday, February 11, 2013 to Sunday, February 17, 2013, “Don’t Drive Distracted”

Monday, February 11, 2013 - 1:33 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

The Toronto Police Service will be launching the "Don't Drive Distracted"” campaign, starting Monday, February 11, 2013, concluding on Sunday, February 17, 2013.

This traffic-safety initiative highlights the dangerous activities associated with drivers who continue to use hand-held cell phones, and hand-held communications and entertainment devices while driving.

Provincial legislation came into effect on October 26, 2009, focusing on educating drivers about Ontario's new road laws and creating specific offences for this dangerous-driving behaviour.

The legislation states that drivers must use only wireless devices that can be used in a hands-free manner:

- a cell phone with an earpiece or headset using voice dialling or plugged into the vehicle's sound system

- a global positioning system (GPS) device that is properly secured to the dashboard or another accessible place in the vehicle

- a portable audio player that has been plugged into the vehicle's sound system 

9-1-1 calls for emergency assistance are permitted under the legislation.

Distracted driving is any action a driver engages in that does not have to do with the operation of a vehicle. Some actions may not be considered distractions by some drivers. We need to understand that these distractions are commonplace on today’s roads and fall into three categories:

1) manual distractions – when you take your hands of the wheel
2) visual distractions – removing your eyes from the sight of the road
3) cognitive distractions – distracted by thinking about something else

The hands-free distracted-driving law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held communications and entertainment devices.

There are other distractions that can also affect a driver's focus. Some common ones to consider:

- eating while driving
- driving with an unsecured pet
- slowing down to look at a collision scene
- applying cosmetics or personal grooming

Although it may be unintentional, the charges for engaging in this kind of distractive behavior can be considered careless or even dangerous, when drivers put both themselves and others at risk of injury.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

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