Stiffer penalties for drivers using handheld wireless devices become law in BC on Monday. Ontario's government is aiming to introduce even harsher laws. A first offence for using a handheld device in BC is now $167.
For subsequent offences within 12 months, fines rise to $634, and three demerit points, which remain on drivers' records for three years. BC drivers who accumulate more than three demerit points will also face higher insurance premium penalties.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), the provincially mandated agency handling BC's mandatory motor vehicle insurance, says that accidents due to distracted driving resulted in injury claim payouts of $500 million in the past five years. ICBC is introducing an increase of 5.2% for motor vehicle insurance premiums.
"Drivers need to get used to the idea that you can't be talking on your handheld while driving," said Suzanne Anton, a spokesperson for the Public Minister of Justice. "It's dangerous to you and it's dangerous to people around you."
Ontario's proposed legislation would see even more severe sanctions against using handheld devices, and be the toughest in Canada. If the legislation passes, the maximum fine will become $1,000, and three demerit points, for even handling a handheld device. About a year ago the top court in Ontario ruled that even picking up a dropped handheld device constitutes distracted driving.
Since the Ontario government is a majority, the ruling Liberals could pass such new distracted driving legislation without the support of the Progressive Conservative and NDP opposition. Those two parties, in fact, support the stiffer penalties.
Distracted driving has overtaken alcohol-impaired driving and speeding as Ontario's leading cause of motoring fatalities. According to the Ontario Provincial Police, 78 people died last year in Ontario due to distracted driving. Impaired motorists resulted in 57 deaths, and 44 people were killed by speeding drivers. Last year, the OPP issued 19,000 tickets for distracted driving. That was an increase of 3,000 from a year earlier.
Ontario's proposed new traffic laws will also introduce penalties for drivers impaired by drugs. "Ontario is one of only three jurisdictions in Canada right now that has no sanctions (for driving while drugged)" said Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca. "We thought it was important." Del Duca also stated that 45 per cent of drivers killed in Ontario during 2011 had either drugs or drugs and alcohol in their bodies.
Currently there are no specific penalties for such drug-related conduct, nor tests for it. Other amendments to the Ontario's Highway Traffic Act will include much higher penalties for drivers who "door" cyclists.
Photo by Bill Longshaw, freedigitalphotos.net