OPP

By Stew Kernan

Ontario Provincial Police are targeting distracted drivers this week.

The OPP say 69 people died in road crashes where driver distraction was a factor last year…that compares to 61 speed-related, 51 seat belt-related and 45 alcohol/drug-related deaths.

O-P-P Constable Carolyn Ward says numerous studies have been conducted on the risks associated with distracted driving — in particular, texting or talking on a cellphone while driving.

Police are also charging motorists distracted by such things as eating, grooming, and tending to kids in the back seat.

The force says that each year for the past three years, officers have laid about 20,000 distracted driving charges throughout the province, more than double the number of impaired driving charges laid over the same period.

The fine if you are charged for distracted driving is $480.00.