Distracted driving is a serious safety problem in Ontario. Using a hand-held phone or other device while driving is against the law, including when you are stopped in traffic or at a red light.
Statistics of Distracted Driving
According to the Government of Ontario, over 30,000 collisions in 2022 involved distracted or inattentive drivers. These collisions led to nearly 11,000 injuries and 100 deaths. Source: Ontario.ca – Distracted driving.
What is distracted driving in Ontario?
Under Ontario law you may not, while driving, stopped in traffic or at a red light:
- Use a hand-held phone or device to text or dial
- Use a hand-held entertainment device, such as a tablet or gaming console
- Have a display screen visible to the driver that is unrelated to driving
- Program a GPS on a hand-held device, except by voice command
- Hold a phone or other device in your hand
Hands-free devices (earpiece, Bluetooth) are allowed, and a securely mounted phone can be used only to touch a button to make, answer or end a call. You may call 911, but pull over to a safe place first.
Inside a vehicle:
Here are some examples of distracted driving in Ontario inside the vehicle are given below :
- Using a cell phone (talking, texting, and online browsing)
- GPS Programming
- Examining a map or a book
- Vaping and smoking
- Grooming
- Viewing videos
- Consumption of food and beverages
- Changing the radio station
- Music that is too loud
Outside the vehicle:
While examples of distracted driving in Ontario outside the vehicle are given below:
- Cyclists enjoying the scenery
- Other modes of transportation
- Construction
- Motorcycles
- Noise from the street
- Examining advertisements
- Pedestrians
- Accident scene
Driving while distracted can result in punishments like the cancellation of your license and removal from the graduated licensing system.
Distracted Driving Laws In Ontario
As dangerous, distracted driving in Ontario is a criminal offense against the law. It is illegal in Ontario to use handheld communication and electronic entertainment devices while driving. Phones, iPods, iPads, tablets, DVD players, and e-readers are examples.
It is also illegal to drive while holding a phone or other gadget. Devices such as Apple watches and other smartwatches could be deemed distracting in today’s ever-changing and wearable technology age. Distracted driving is illegal across Canada, each province and territory has its legislation, so penalties can vary substantially.
Penalties Of Distracted Driving In Ontario
Distracted driving can result in punishments like the cancellation of your license and removal from the graduated licensing system.
For Fully Licensed Driver
- 1st conviction: fine of $615 if settled out of court, up to $1,000 if you go to court. 3 demerit points and a 3-day licence suspension.
- 2nd conviction: fine of $615, up to $2,000 in court. 6 demerit points and a 7-day suspension.
- 3rd and later convictions: fine of $615, up to $3,000 in court. 6 demerit points and a 30-day suspension.
A license reinstatement fee applies each time your license is suspended.
For Novice drivers
Drivers with a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence pay the same fines but receive no demerit points. The suspensions are longer:
- 1st conviction: 30-day suspension
- 2nd conviction: 90-day suspension
- 3rd conviction: licence cancelled and removal from the Graduated Licensing System. You must start the program again.
Driving Carelessly Or Dangerously
Even actions the distracted driving law does not cover, such as eating, drinking, grooming or reaching for objects, can lead to a careless driving charge if they endanger others. Careless driving carries 6 demerit points, a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to six months in jail, and a licence suspension of up to two years. Dangerous driving is a criminal offence with jail terms of up to 10 years for causing bodily harm and up to 14 years for causing death.
Ontario Highway Traffic Act & Distracted Driving
The Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act and Distracted Driving Section 78 states:
- No one shall drive a motor vehicle on a roadway if the driver can see the display screen of a television, computer, or other device in the motor vehicle.
- Handheld gadgets are not permitted.
- No one shall operate a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a handheld wireless communication device or any other prescribed device capable of receiving or transmitting telephone communications, electronic data, mail, or text messages.
- Devices for entertainment
- Driving a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a portable device is illegal.
Tips to avoid distracted driving
Here are the 9 most important tips to avoid distracted driving and for a safe drive.
- Start by storing your device because you know you won’t be able to use it while driving. Switch it off and place it somewhere out of reach, such as in your glove compartment or trunk.
- Before you start driving, review any maps and directions you have. To avoid distracted driving, “Figuring it along the way” is ineffective. A global positioning system navigation device is an exception, according to Section 78.1 of the Highway Traffic Act. However, programming your GPS while driving is illegal.
- Remove anything unnecessary for your journey and secure any loose objects. Sliding objects can be distracting when turning a bend or braking hard.
- Before you leave, ensure the children have everything they need – reading materials, toys, food, and water. Also, ensure you’re prepared, including having your personal grooming done before getting behind the wheel.
- If you don’t have a box or a car barrier, think about getting a car belt or even a car seat to keep your pet from leaping around in the car.
- Before pulling out of the driveway, ensure your radio presets are selected and your climate control is turned on.
- Actively drive, scan the road, and continue to check your mirrors. Keeping two hands on the steering wheel improves control and reduces fatigue. Don’t let roadside activities, such as a yard sale or a clown holding a sign, distract you.
- As a general guideline, you should take a break from driving every two hours. You can get the required fuel for yourself, your fellow passengers, and your vehicle. The rest and movement will also allow you to re-energize and refocus on the rest of your journey.
- While an open coffee or drink in a cup holder shouldn’t be a major distraction, don’t eat or drink anything that requires you to open, unwrap, or otherwise distract you.
Conclusion
Distracted driving in Ontario threatens road safety, with alarming statistics. Strict laws and penalties are in place to combat this dangerous behavior, which goes beyond legislation. It requires a collective commitment from all drivers to recognize safety measures. Minimizing distractions within vehicles and adopting safe driving practices are crucial steps. Prioritizing safety over momentary distractions is important for making our roads safer. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and ending distracted driving is a significant step towards this goal.
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