Toronto Police have announced 670 drivers have been charged during their 7-day distracted driving campaign, which took place between January 14-20.
According to the police, service officers used a variety of methods to catch distracted drivers, using bicycles, unmarked police vehicles, pick-up trucks, TTC buses, streetcars and foot patrol.
In the end, nearly 700 drivers were charged in the campaign. The Toronto Police Service said in a press release, they “delivered a zero-tolerance enforcement and awareness traffic safety campaign focused on drivers operating a motor vehicle while using a hand-held communication or entertainment device, including cell phones.”
On January 1, 2019, stiffer fines and penalties kicked into effect for distracted driving in Ontario.
Prior to the police campaign, Mayor John Tory said “Distracted driving continues to be a major contributor to deaths and injuries and collisions, including in particular, those involving pedestrians and cyclists.”
“A clear message needs to be sent to all drivers that when you are behind the wheel, your only focus should be on the task of driving,” says the Toronto Police Service.
If you haven’t already, you should set up Do Not Disturb While Driving on your iPhone. It’s just not worth it to use your phone behind the wheel.
