With distracted driving named as the number one killer in motor vehicle collisions, police are becoming creative in how they go about catching a user in the act.
You should not be picking up your cell phone while driving, but for drivers who continue to send text messages while waiting for a red light may be in for a surprise.
The nearby panhandler asking for change may actually be a police officer in disguise. If you’re on your phone, he’s letting you know that you’re about to receive a distracted driving ticket. Toronto Police tested this tactic at Markham Road and Highway 401 earlier this week, according to Newstalk 1010. Toronto Police will also check vehicles when it’s stopped at a light.
Police can only issue a ticket when they spot someone reading or typing on their phones.
This tactic has led to divided opinions on social media with some Twitter users accusing Toronto Police of trying to increase revenues, while others congratulating police on being innovative. This follows a similar campaign done in Chilliwack, B.C., which led to 21 distracted driving tickets and numerous verbal warnings, according to the Chilliwack Times. Media reports have shown that this method is becoming more common with police in Pickering, Ont., and Ottawa using it as well.
This comes amidst increased distracted driving fines of $225 in Ontario, which could increase to a maximum fine of $1,000 and three demerit points.
In 2013, distracted driving was responsible for 78 fatal crashes compared to 57 fatal crashes related to impaired driving, according to the OPP.
Motor vehicle accidents happen and accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of who caused the accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
Greg Neinstein
Latest posts by Greg Neinstein (see all)
- Do I have a personal injury case? - April 23, 2019
- Are your insurance premiums high? Check your postal code - April 17, 2019
- This was an unusually harsh winter for slip-and-falls - April 11, 2019