Higher fines and license suspensions are coming for careless and distracted drivers who hurt or kill people.
The province announced plans on Wednesday to introduce tough new rules and penalties this fall aimed at protecting pedestrians and cyclists, while reducing the number of people killed or injured by dangerous drivers.
A new offence of careless driving causing death or bodily harm will be created under the proposed new legislation. It would carry a steep fine of up to $50,000, two years in jail, and a five year license suspension. Fines and demerit points would also be increased for distracted driving and failing to yield to a pedestrian. Those caught behind the wheel with a cellphone in hand could also see escalating license suspensions for repeat offenders.
"These measures will help keep some of our most vulnerable road users safe and help us drive home the message that dangerous, impaired and distracted driving is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated," Ontario Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca said in a written statement.
Under the current laws, careless drivers who kill someone can be fined a maximum of $2,000, get a six months jail sentence, and lose their licence for two years.
The stricter penalties for careless and distracted driving come just two days after the province announced a similar crack down on impaired drivers.
On Monday, Del Duca announced a planned amendment to the Highway Traffic Act that would see a zero tolerance approach for drivers 21 and under, novice drivers, and all commercial drivers found to have a detectable presence of drugs or alcohol in their system.
According to the provincial average, one person is killed on Ontario roads every 17 hours. Pedestrians and cyclists accounted for 25% of all road fatalities in 2014.