TORONTO – Ontario Provincial Police will be out in full force this Labour Day weekend keeping an eye out for distracted drivers who drive and text.
But to help deter the behaviour, the OPP and the Ministry of Transportation have teamed up to offer designated “text stops” at four ONroute Highway Service Centres.
The locations include King City, Cambridge North, Woodstock and Port Hope where travellers are encouraged to stop and text.
As of September 1st, the new set fine for distracted driving is $490 and three demerit points.
READ MORE: New Ontario road safety rules and distracted driving fines come into effect
OPP say there have been 41 deaths attributed to distracted driving on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year.
Meanwhile, the number of collisions caused by distracted drivers is up 20 per cent compared to this time last year.
“There are three types of distraction when driving: taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, and taking your mind off driving. All of these can endanger lives, but texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction,” said Brad Blair, OPP Deputy Commissioner, in a media release.
“Leave the phone alone while driving. I encourage all motorists to keep their eyes on the road; let’s make sure everyone gets to their destination safely this Labour Day weekend.”
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