Road safety authorities in Ontario recently announced one of the New Year’s resolutions for the province — putting a stop to texting while driving. Distracted riving is reportedly the primary cause of fatal car accidents in Ontario. Law enforcement authorities intend to stop this trend by adopting an approach similar to the steps they took to significantly reduce drinking and driving fatalities in the province.
As of Jan. 1, 2019 penalties are more severe. The first conviction for distracted driving charges could cost the driver up to $1,000 in fines, along with three demerit points and a license suspension for three days. If that is not enough to change a driver’s ways, subsequent convictions will have even harsher punishments.
For second and third convictions, maximum fines will be $2,000 and $3,000, respectively, and there will be six demerit points. Those with second convictions will not be allowed to drive for seven days, and the suspension for a third conviction will be 30 days. To prevent novice drivers from getting into the habit of texting and driving, they will get 30 and 90-day suspensions for first and second convictions, and any new driver will have his or her license cancelled upon a third distracted driving conviction.
Sadly, many Ontario families have to deal with the loss of loved ones in car accidents caused by distracted driving. Although no amount of money can ever make up for such a loss, a monetary judgment in a successfully presented wrongful death civil lawsuit could significantly ease the financial burden. Those facing these challenging issues typically find the support and guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney invaluable.
