Drivers aren’t getting the message about the dangers of distracted driving

By Cst. Sean Ralph and Cst. Michel Vandal, December 2018

Despite education campaigns like our own Leave the Phone Alone and ongoing enforcement, distracted driving is the number one cause of injuries and deaths on Ontario roadways. 

For some reason, drivers aren’t getting the message about just how dangerous driving distracted is.

Why should you put the phone away while driving?

You are 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision if you text while driving. Talking on the phone increases your chances four fold.

Texting and driving are exclusive tasks. You can’t do both at the same time; your brain has to switch back and forth between the two. If you are using your phone, you aren’t focused on your driving.

Distractions double your reaction time. An attentive driver needs 1.5 seconds to react to a situation on the roadway. The additional 1.5 seconds required if the driver is texting or talking on the phone could be the difference between safely avoiding an obstruction, pedestrian, cyclist or another vehicle and hitting someone or something.

Driving distracted has a similar effect to your driving as impairment by alcohol. Distracted driving has the same impact on your reaction time as consuming four alcoholic drinks and getting behind the wheel.

There are stiff penalties if you’re caught using your phone while driving.

New penalties for distracted driving come into effect January 1, 2019. 

Drivers with A to G licences

If you have an A, B, C, D, E, F and/or G licence, starting January 1, 2019 you’ll face:

For your first conviction:

• a fine of up to $1,000 
• three demerit points
• a three-day day driver’s licence suspension

For your second conviction within 5 years:

• a fine of up to $2,000 
• six demerit points
• a seven-day driver’s licence suspension

For your third and all subsequent convictions within 5 years:

• a fine of up to $3,000 
• six demerit points
• a 30-day driver’s licence suspension

Novice drivers

Effective January 1, 2019, if you hold a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence, and are convicted of distracted driving, you’ll face the same escalating fines as drivers with A to G licences but you won’t receive any demerit points.

Instead of demerit points you’ll face:

• a 30-day licence suspension for a first conviction
• a 90-day licence suspension for a second conviction
• cancellation of your licence and removal from the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) for a third conviction 

A distracted driving ticket will destroy your insurance. If you receive a conviction, there is a Major Conviction surcharge (minimum of $350) plus a ratable licence suspension surcharge (minimum of $150) and a guarantee non-renewal/cancellation of your auto policy. 

Insurance companies don’t want to insure drivers who text and drive because they are at a higher risk for being involved in a fatal collision. 

New rules may apply to past convictions. If you received a conviction before January 1, 2019, insurance companies may rate you with the new rules. You might be seen as a high-risk driver and you may be placed in a high-risk market come your renewal. 

Distracted driving is preventable. Every time you get behind the wheel, you can choose to make safe driving your priority. For your safety and that of other road users, put the phone away while driving. 

That text message or call can wait.