Welcome to the Community Safety Zone for February !
Distracted driving remains one of the primary cause of collisions on Ontario roads and has led to the introduction of more severe penalties that took effect on Jan 1st, 2019. In Ontario, deaths from collisions caused by distracted driving have doubled since 2000. In addition, statistics show that a driver using a phone is four times more likely to crash than a driver focusing on the road.
If convicted of distracted driving, drivers could face a three day licence suspension, a fine of up to 1000$ and three demerit point for the first offence. If there are second and third convictions within five years, the fines double and triple respectively, resulting as well in 6 demerit points. Drivers would also lose their licence for seven days upon the second conviction and 30 days upon the third conviction.
Did you know that it takes an attentive driver 1.5 seconds to react to a situation on the roadway. When drivers are distracted, reaction time is doubled. At 100 km/hr that is like travelling the distance of a football field without looking.
Tips to avoid Distracted Driving/ Texting and Driving
- Allow phone calls to go to voicemail
- Do not text, surf the web or read e-mails
- Stop at safe locations to make and receive calls
- Keep your attention and eyes on the road
- Turn your cell phone off while driving
Everyone has a role to play in preventing distracted driving. As a passenger, remind the driver to focus on the road as soon as they reach for the phone. Take responsibility for your own safety.
Help promote safe driving in and around our village !!
We appreciate hearing your comments, receiving your concerns and taking suggestions for future Community Safety Zone topics. Please feel free to email us at safety@navan.on.ca.