Dufferin OPP lay over 250 distracted driving charges in January

Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid 253 Distracted Driving charges since January 1, 2022. 

Distracted driving refers to using a hand-held communication or hand-held entertainment device while operating a vehicle. Inattentive driving refers to behaviours such as adjusting a vehicle's entertainment system or GPS unit or stereo, eating and drinking self-grooming or tending to children in the back seat.

Drivers also need to be aware that using a hand-held communication or entertainment device while stopped at a traffic light, stop sign or when stopped in traffic for any reason is also a distracted driving offence.

Distracted driving remains a serious road safety issue and every driver has a responsibility to direct their entire attention to the road.

While 253 charges is a very high number, Dufferin OPP officers remain committed to reducing distracted driving in Dufferin County. 

Through enforcement and public education Dufferin OPP aims to change driver behaviours and perceptions regarding distracted driving.