About Distracted Driving (including Cell Phones)

Expand all Collapse all

• Why worry about distracted driving?

  Safety experts see distracted driving as a growing problem aggravated by worsening traffic congestion, a proliferation of car-friendly electronics, and peoples desires to find new ways to multi-task.

  Initial concerns stem from the rapidly rising and highly visible use of cell phones while driving however, there are many other sources of driver distractions both inside and outside the vehicle. Distractions may include: talking or sending a text message on a cell phone, reading a map or other material, grooming activities, eating, drinking, note taking, engaging in an emotionally charged conversation with passengers, tending to a child or pet, adjusting in-vehicle controls, etc.

  The Provincial Government’s new legislation takes effect on October 26, 2009, which makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices.

• What is the "Cell Phone ban"?

  The Provincial Government’s distracted driving legislation, (Bill 118 and Ontario Regulation 366/09) takes effect on October 26, 2009, which makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices. As of October 26, 2009, drivers are prohibited from:

  • Using hand-held communication devices (such as cell phones and Blackberries) and hand-held electronic entertainment equipment (such as ipods and PlayStation Portables)
  • Texting and emailing
  • Programing directions and/or information into a GPS device
  • Having display screens visible to the driver if they are unrelated to driving tasks such as DVD player and laptop computers

  The legislation makes it clear that any driving-related display screens must be placed securely in, mounted to the vehicle so that the device does not move while the car is in motion. Under the new law, drivers will be allowed to use:

  • Hands-free communication devices with an earpiece, headphone, speakerphone or bluetooth device.
  • Display screens of GPS units that are in hands-free mode, and
  • Display screens used in commercial vehicles to track location and provide information on cargo delivery, passenger pick-up or operational information from a dispatcher or control centre, and
  • Display screens for collision avoidance systems and display screens for providing the immediate enviroment of the vehicle and screens that provide information on weather and road conditions.

  The legislation allows for drivers to use communication devices to call 911 while in motor vehicles. Drivers are also exempt if they are pulled off the roadway and are not impeeding traffic and not illegally parked.

  See more information and details about exemptions from Bill 118 . (PDF)

• What can people do to ensure their own safety?

  Most people would never drink and drive, but too often people carry out distracting activities while driving that may be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Like alcohol, these distractions can impair driving. Just looking away from the road for two seconds doubles a driver’s odds for being involved in a collision.

  The following are tips to help reduce driver distraction:

  • Put reading material in the trunk if tempted to read.
  • Attend to personal grooming and plan route before leaving.
  • Identify and preset your vehicle’s climate control, radio and music player.
  • Make it a habit to use your cell phone only when parked, have a passenger take the call or let the caller go to voicemail.
  • Do not engage in emotional or complex conversation.
  • When hungry or thirsty, take a break.

• What are the fines if you do not obey the rules of the road?

  Police will begin issuing tickets on February 1, 2010, following a three-month period that begins October 26, 2009 where the focus will be on educating drivers.

  Drivers found using any hand-held device can face fines of up to $500.

  Police may also continue to charge a driver with careless driving when not paying full attention to the driving task. If convicted of careless driving, a driver will automatically receive six demerit points, fines up to $1000 and a possible jail term of six months. In some cases, a driver’s license may be suspended for up to two years. This is one of Ontario’s toughest rules of the road.

   

• What is the Safer Roads Ottawa Program?

  In 2003, two City departments – Public Works and Services and Ottawa Public Health – and the Ottawa Police Service developed the Safer Roads Ottawa Program to provide a comprehensive approach in promoting road safety.  The Program’s goal is to reduce traffic fatalities, injuries and collisions on Ottawa’s roads.
  
  

• Are there exemptions to Bill 118?

  Yes, there is more information and details about exemptions from Bill 118 . (PDF)