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ELLA LANGLEY

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Fines Increasing

Tuesday, 25 February 2014 14:36

Distracted driving fines rising from $155 to $280 in March

Steeper fines are on the way for local drivers who get caught texting behind the wheel.

The fines for distracted driving are set to rise from the current $155 to $280.

Woodstock Police Chief Rod Freeman says it's great news from a police standpoint. 

"Distracted driving is proven to be a very dangerous habit that is practiced by far too many motorists on our roadways. Where at one time speeding and impaired driving were the leading cause of death and injury on our roadways, distracted driving has now placed itself right up there above those two causes of death and injury."

"People have to remember that when they are looking down into their lap while they're texting, they're not seeing what's happening in front of them and their vehicles are moving along at 30, 40, 50, 60 kilometres an hour covering a lot of ground in a short period of time and it's an equation for collision, that's exactly what it is."

Freeman says distracted driving collisions can be avoided.

"Texting or using the cellphone, it just takes a little bit of discipline. You can't place that text message or the cell phone call above your own personal safety or above the safety of the other people around you on the roadway, whether they be pedestrians or other motorists. It's simply a message, it will wait until you get to your destination."

Oxford OPP Constable Stacey Culbert says "The OPP supports any and all measures that will make travel safer for all road users in Ontario."

There are currently no demerit points involved, but Transportation Minister Glen Murray says it's possible the province may look at using them as a penalty for distracted drivers.

The new fines come into effect March 18. 

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