15 ‘DISTRACTED DRIVERS’ CHARGED WITH USING CELLPHONES WHILE BEHIND THE WHEEL LAST WEEK IN HUNTSVILLE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

HUNTSVILLE — If you got a call from someone in Huntsville last week, chances are they may have been illegally driving while on their cellphone.

Police there said that Monday to Friday, November 10-14, officers conducted a direct enforcement initiative, enforcing distracted driving (hand-held devices) like cell phones.

During the five-day blitz 15 drivers were charged with using their cell phone while behind the wheel.

The OPP call this “a discouraging result as those drivers are putting others at risk on our roadways.”

Police ponder: How many people are actually out there doing the same thing?

In 2024, they say 82 people died on Ontario highways due to drivers who weren’t paying attention.

Those deaths are a 43 per cent increase from that of 2023, when there were 57 deaths due to distracted driving or driver inattention.

It is illegal to operate handheld devices or view screens unrelated to driving, and penalties increase significantly for repeat offences.

For novice drivers, a single conviction can mean a 30-day suspension and three convictions lead to license cancellation.

Other possible consequences of distracted driving include:

  • Tragedy
  • Fines ($615 for a first offence)
  • Demerit points
  • Three-day license suspension
  • Licence cancellation (after three convictions)

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

  • Pull over to a safe location before using any electronic devices.
  • Have a passenger help with GPS or answer calls for you.
  • Set up navigation before you start driving.
  • Be aware that law enforcement uses unmarked vehicles and other methods to catch distracted drivers.
OPP in and around Huntsville Nov. 10-14 charged 15 motorists with distracted driving for illegally being on their cellphone while operating vehicles.

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