OPP, Kingston Police hand out 27 tickets during distracted driving initiative

Last week, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Kingston Police issued nearly 30 Provincial Offences Notices for distracted driving violations during a joint forces initiative on local roadways.

Between Monday, Jul. 4, and Friday, Jul. 8, 2022, four days and approximately 16 hours of patrol time was dedicated to this initiative, OPP stated. Police issued a total of 27 tickets for distracted driving violations, and participating OPP members were from the Frontenac and Sharbot Lake Detachments.

According to a release from the OPP, distracted driving remains one of the OPP’s “Big Four” causes of motor vehicle collisions. Distracted driving includes using a hand-held communication device without hands-free capability, up to and including watching videos on either a handheld communication or entertainment device, OPP said.

Upon conviction, using a hand-held communication or entertainment device carries a minimum $615 fine along with three demerit points for a first offense. According to the release, there is also the possibility of an automatic driver’s license suspension upon conviction as well. These penalties increase after multiple convictions.

“Distracted driving remains a serious road safety issue,” OPP said. “The OPP is encouraging people of all ages, especially passengers, to take a firm stand against those who endanger their lives and the lives of others by using their cell phones or engaging in other forms of distractions behind the wheel.”

According to the release, members of the Frontenac and Sharbot Lake Detachments are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. OPP said that officers value your contribution to building safe communities.