The OPP in Essex County is cracking down on what it refers to as "almost like an epidemic.'
It has launched 'Project S.T.A.T.S 'which stands for 'Stop Texting and Travel Safely.'
The distracted driving initiative began September 17 and will last 30 days.
OPP Constable Jim Root says several tools will be used to catch distracted drivers.
"On foot, bicycles and in fully marked police vehicles and other non-discript vehicles as well, looking to enforce anyone who we find that is driving while distracted using cell phones, texting etc.," says Root.
In some cases, he says drivers won't know they've been caught until it is too late.
"Non discript vehicles containing OPP spotters who are going to identify an offence and then radio ahead for a marked patrol car to intercept, stop and charge the violator. So most motorists may not even be aware that they have been caught until pulled over by a marked vehicle."
In a six-hour period Tuesday morning, the OPP caught six distracted drivers. The fine, if convicted, is $490.
Constable Root says there will be a zero tolerance approach.
"We are not out there to make friends, we are out there to prevent collisions and save lives, that's the bottom line," he says.
In 2016, there were 1,766 crashes in Essex County and 27% of them were caused by inattentive driving.