Watch the video above: Despite higher fines, drivers still ignoring distracted driving laws. Sean Mallen reports.
TORONTO – Police in Toronto launched a one-day distracted driving enforcement blitz Tuesday.
The blitz comes in conjunction with today’s fine increases for distracted driving offences.
Last month, the chief justice of the Ontario Court of Justice signed an order increasing the set fine for distracted driving from $155 to $280.
Police say officers will be watching for drivers talking, texting, typing, dialing or emailing using hand-held communication and entertainment devices.
“When you operate a motor vehicle using handheld devices, it’s almost the same as driving while impaired,” said Constable Clinton Stibbe of Toronto Traffic Services.
“You have lack of control of your vehicle, you’re putting everybody’s life at risk, including your own, and you could actually kill someone.”
WATCH: Toronto police launch their one-day distracted driving blitz on March 18, 2014.
Ontario Provincial Police say distracted driving is becoming the No. 1 killer on the roads.
Their statistics show 78 people died in distracted driving-related collisions in 2013, compared to 57 impaired driving deaths and 44 speed-related deaths.
Meanwhile, the Ontario government has introduced legislation that would make distracted driving penalties even tougher.
Transportation Minister Glen Murray announced Monday the province’s new road safety bill would impose three demerit points in addition to increasing the maximum fine for distracted driving to $1,000.
-with files from The Canadian Press
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