330 charges laid in Essex County
The OPP in Essex County has concluded Project STATS, the Stop Texting and Travel Safely initiative, aimed at reducing distracted driving.
The month long campaign resulted in 330 charges being laid for drivers caught using a cell phone while behind the wheel or being distracted in other ways.
The OPP noted in a news release, "while it was clear that distracted driving was a significant problem, the statistics realized in this month long initiative truly provided a clear indication of what is happening on local roadways and proving there is further work to be done."
Provincial Police released the stats from the latest enforcement action which took place October 22nd and 23rd which included "aircraft intercept patrols" along the 401 and Highway 3.
- 41 Passenger and Commercial Motor Vehicles stopped
- 27 Speeding charges
- 11 Follow Too Closely charges
- 10 Other Highway Traffic Act/Compulsory Insurance Act charges
- 1 Commercial Motor Vehicle Daily Inspection Report charge
The penalty for distracted driving will increase on January 1st to a fine of up to $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day driver's licence suspension.