Federal transport minister Marc Garneau is proposing the creation of a tough national standard to penalize distracted drivers using their cellphones on the road.
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While dangerous driving is covered under the Criminal Code, cases involving distraction are a provincial responsibility that result in fines and demerit points that vary widely across regions.
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Garneau last week sent a letter to his provincial counterparts calling for stiffer penalties for texting and talking on cellphones while driving.
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The minister has yet to get a response from provinces.
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But he says governments need to act more quickly to this growing issue than it did in the past to combat drunk driving.
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He declined to say if he would like to see cars taken away from drivers found guilty of distracted driving but says stricter standards are required.