Distracted driving file photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo Inc. / 4774344seanDistracted driving file photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo Inc. / 4774344sean
Chatham

OPP: "Think Before You Post"

Provincial police are monitoring social media and they are not happy with some of the content regarding local crashes.

Chatham-Kent police recently issued a media release, urging people to "think before you post on social media."

The message stems from a fatal crash that had taken place on Hwy. 401 near Dillon Rd on July 30. The crash involved a tractor trailer and five other vehicles. One of the vehicles was carrying four passengers, two of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

Constable Jay Denorer says while officers were at the scene they noticed that people driving by had their cell phones out, and in one case was apparently live streaming. At this point, police had not notified the next of kin.

As a result, police are asking people to think before posting.

"Death notification by social media is not right," says Denorer.

Police are also reminding drivers that using a device to take a picture or video while driving could result in a distracted driving charge. The set fine for a distracted driving charge is $490 and three demerit points.

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