Distracted driving might cost points

The provincial government is considering legislation that would add demerit points to a driver’s licence if they’re caught driving while distracted. In Ontario, a driver starts with zero demerit points and gains points for being convicted of breaking certain traffic laws. If you collect enough points, you can lose your licence. Currently the law prohibits drivers from holding a phone while driving and if a driver is caught, they’re fined. Glen Murray, the Transportation Minister says he believes the $155 fine is too low, and the current laws are not sufficient: “Were looking very carefully at the way we handled drunk driving, (something) this government has very good record on. Looking at that model, at how distracted driving is different from drunk driving and what the most effective intervention, again we haven’t decided what it will be but I think there’s a very strong feeling in the government for a need to act here.”

Murray says they’re also looking at penalties for “Dooring”; that’s when a cyclist collides with a vehicle door that’s suddenly opened.