Friday, May 23, 2014
Perth District Health Unit
Distracted Driving Enforcement to Increase on Perth County Roads this Summer
The ban in Ontario on using handheld devices while driving took effect in 2009. It is illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using handheld cell phones and entertainment devices.
However, distracted driving continues to be a major cause of car crashes. In fact, drivers who are texting are 23 times more likely to be in a crash. Other types of distractions that take your eyes and mind away from the task of driving include: using a cell phone, grooming, reading (including maps), using a GPS, watching a video, eating and drinking, and young children.
Drive Only Never Text (D.O.N.T.) Campaign
This spring, the Road Safety Committee Perth is launching a distracted driving campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of texting while driving. The campaign will be supported by increased enforcement on the roads. Drivers caught using handheld devices will be fined $280.
The campaign, which will run from May to December, will include newspaper, radio and billboard ads, social media activities, and videos. The campaign is asking residents to always avoid texting while driving by:
- Turning off your phone
- Having a designated “texter” if needed
- Pulling over at a safe location if you must answer the phone.
The Road Safety Committee Perth is made of the Perth District Health Unit, OPP, Stratford Police, and the Brain Injury Association of London & Region.
For More Information:
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hill
Communications Manager
519-271-7600 ext 279
rhill@pdhu.on.ca
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