distracted driving causes more deaths in canada than impaired driving .it’s why every province and territory has laws against driving while operating a cell phone. “tell your passengers to stay off their phones while you are driving. such measures are more than necessary now, as distracted driving has claimed more lives than impaired driving in provinces like british columbia, ontario, quebec, alberta, nova scotia, manitoba, newfoundland and labrador. “mobile phones, even when held by a passenger, can be a dangerous distraction for the driver. starting next week being distracted by a screen held by a passenger attracts a penalty of $1,500 and three demerit points. “drivers and screens do not mix – it doesn’t matter who is holding the device. using facetime, taking selfies with the driver or showing the driver a funny cat video is a no-no.” in most provinces a mobile phone is categorised as a “visual display unit”, meaning it is considered akin to a television screen. it’s important to practice safe driving for your own sake and that of your fellow drivers. canada is cracking down on its distracted driving problem with the rollout of stricter laws that impose harsher penalties and heftier fines on guilty offenders. it’s taking effect as of next week , and it adds serious penalties to those convicted of distracted driving.
you can be fined $1,500 if your passenger is using a mobile phone, starting next week