Harsh penalties proposed for drivers using handhelds

Starting Tuesday, fines for distracted drivers caught using a handheld device are jumping from $155 to $280. But if a new bill proposed Monday at Queen’s Park passes, drivers could eventually see even harsher penalties.

Under the proposed legislation, the maximum fine for distracted driving and failing to share the road with cyclists would rise to $1,000, and carry three demerit points. This would be the first time demerit points could be used as a penalty for distracted driving, and it would mean an increase from the current two demerit points for dooring a cyclist.

Demerit points could result in higher insurance premiums for drivers.

Among other things, the bill would allow bike lanes to go in the opposite direction on one way streets — and require drivers to yield the whole roadway to pedestrians at school crossings and crosswalks. Based on opposition reaction, it looks like the this bill will easily pass through to committee.

PC MPP Lisa MacLeod: “I think it’s clear the minister took the time to listen to the opposition MPPs. Myself, Garfield Dunlop and Norm Miller all put ideas in on distracted driving, tow truck driving and we’ve seen that in the bill. We’ll look at the fine details of the bill but it looks like something we can support.”

NDP transportation critic Gilles Bisson: “We’ve been saying for a long time these are things that we’ve long supported so we’re certainly going to allow this bill to get through second reading. Once it gets to committee that will really be up to the people that present what ideas what thoughts they have and how the bill will be amended.”

Transportation minister Glen Murray: “We have to have good enforcement, it involves having good education and good laws. And we have to have a fear of a penalty that’s substantial enough to get people to change their behaviour.”

Murray adds the government consulted police, CAA and other groups. The CAA says it thinks this is a positive change in the right direction.