Tuesday, September 01, 2015
Ontario drivers will face some changes on the road starting Sept. 1, including stiffer penalties for distracted driving and new rules to protect cyclists and tow truck drivers.
"Since 2009, more than 500 people have died in collisions in OPP-controlled roads, in which driver inattention was a causal factor," said OPP Sgt. Dave Rektor. "Statistically speaking, distracted driving has exceeded impaired driving as a causal factor in fatal collisions."
Rektor said it's not just texting or checking a phone while driving that counts as distracted driving, but also anything that takes a driver's eyes off the road.
"Fussing with kids in the back of the car, pushing buttons on a stereo, reaching for something—anything that distracts you from driving [counts]," he said.
Here's a look at the changes. Note that the court fee and the Victim Fine Surcharge fee are included in the fine totals.
1. Distracted driving
Drivers who are convicted of distracted driving now face a minimum fine of $490 and three demerit points. That's up from the previous minimum $280 fine.
2. Dooring cyclists or vehicles
Motorists who open their doors without looking, causing cyclists to crash into them, will now face a minimum fine of $365 and three demerit points. The previous minimum fines were between $60 - $500, according to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
3. Passing cyclists
Ontario drivers must leave at least one metre of space when passing cyclists. If not, they face a minimum fine of $110 and two demerit points. The fine is increased to $180 if motorists don't leave enough space when passing cyclists in a community safety zone.
4. Bicycle lighting
Cyclists who ride without proper bike lights and reflectors now face a minimum fine of $110, up from $20.
5. Tow trucks
In Ontario, drivers are required to slow down and move to the side of the road to give space to emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road. The province has expanded this rule to include tow trucks. The minimum fine for failing to slow down and move over is $490.
Rektor mentioned an incident about eight years ago when a tow truck driver near London was pulled over on the side of the road and was struck by a transport truck driver who was passing by.
"It's memories like that that just make you so thankful for the move over law as an emergency rescuer," he said. "The law's in place to save those things from happening."