Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has confirmed that 2015 marked the third consecutive year that distracted driving was the leading cause of death in car accidents. Driver distraction outnumbered all other causes of accidents once again.
According to OPP, 69 people died in distracted driving accidents in 2015, compared to 61 speed-related deaths, 51 deaths caused by not wearing a seatbelt and 45 deaths caused by an impaired driver.
Between 2013 and 2015, officers issued more than 20,000 tickets to drivers in violation of the province’s distracted driving laws. OPP has stated that that number far exceeds the number of tickets given to drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The province banned the use of cellphones while behind the wheel in 2009. Since September 2015, anyone caught using their phone while driving will receive a $490 fine and three demerit points.
Numerous studies have confirmed that distracted driving, especially texting, emailing or talking on the phone, is just as dangerous as driving while impaired.
Taking your eyes off of the road for any amount of time greatly reduces your ability to react to dangerous situations drivers encounter on the roads all the time.
OPP has stated that the leading cause of distracted driving is using a cellphone, though officers also continually issue charges against motorists for other distractions such as eating, doing makeup and other similar beauty activities, and tending to children in the vehicle.
If you or someone you love has been injured or died in an accident caused by a distracted driver, the auto accident lawyers at Greg Monforton & Partners can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free review of your claim.
Call (866) 320-4770 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.