Deaths related to distracted driving are up by 20% this year compared to the same time last year, police say.
Officers will be keeping an eye out for anyone using a cellphone behind the wheel this long weekend, as well as impaired drivers and those ignoring speed limits.
“There have been 41 deaths on our highways attributed to distracted driving and if that’s not enough to get your attention, since 2009, there has been over 500 deaths,” says OPP Sergeant Dave Rektor. “We also do take drinking and driving very seriously, even though it has taken a back seat to distracted driving in terms of numbers. It’s still equally as dangerous.”
As of September 1, getting a distracted driving ticket will cost you $400 and three demerit points.