Liberals propose new legislation that would raise fines to a maximum of $1000.
WOODSTOCK - Three demerit points could be on the way if you are caught texting behind the wheel.
The Provincial Liberals announced legislation Tuesday that would also see fines for distracted driving go from the current range of $60-500 to range of $300-1000.
Woodstock Police Chief Rod Freeman says he is absolutely in favour of this new legislation.
"It's become an epidemic on the roadways for drivers to be facing down into their laps and texting while operating a vehicle and all that does is create an immense danger for other people using those roadways whether they be in vehicles or pedestrians. They are saying that their text messages are more important than the safety of the rest of us in the community and I don't think that's right at all."
Freeman believes it will get people to put their phones away.
"People just aren't getting the message now with our awareness campaigns and the enforcement we have been doing. I think that if you increase the fines and hit them in the wallet, that's the only way you will get through to some of these offenders who are just entirely selfish people."
"I think the Police community in general has been looking toward the Ministry to put more teeth into the legislation because right across the province and likely right across the country we as law enforcement officers are seeing this as a real danger on our roadways. There's going to be carnage out there and the carnage is going to continue as long as people text and drive at the same time."
The original legislation died when the June 12th election was called earlier this year, but the Liberal government has said it wants to push hard on the issue.
On top of distracted driving, the legislation also hopes to apply current alcohol impaired sanctions to drivers who are drug impaired.
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