Bancroft OPP will be out in force this week, hunting for distracted drivers.
Distracted Driving is when a driver is not concentrating on the road, instead focusing on a cell phone or other electronic device.
Drivers are only permitted to use their phone to see directions from a GPS or talking hands free. Drivers should not be watching videos, texting, programming GPS, or talking with their phone on speaker while holding the phone.
Drivers are required to pull over if they have to program their GPS.
Police are stepping up enforcement, due to distracted driving being a factor in multiple serious collisions in the Bancroft area in 2024.
Penalties for a first distracted driving offence include up to $1000 in fines, a 3 day licence suspension, and 3 demerit points.
Drivers are reminded by police to either shut their phones off, have a passenger help, or pull over if the matter is urgent. If pulling over, you must be off the roadway, not disrupting traffic, and your vehicle must be parked.
