Although most Ontarians are aware of the dangers of driving while distracted, many people continue to talk and text on their smartphones will driving, or engage in other forms of distracted driving. Distracted driving is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act in Ontario as well as the Criminal Code of Canada.
Driving While Texting or Talking on the Phone Can Cause Serious Accidents
The personal distracted driving lawyers can help you if you have been injured in an accident caused by an impaired or distracted driver. Facing an insurance company on your own can be intimidating and frustrating, especially when you are injured and in pain. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers have an in-depth understanding of the tactics insurers often use to try to refuse payment and deny claims, and we know what to do to ensure your case is taken seriously.
What is Distracted Driving?
In Ontario, distracted driving rules preclude doing anything that takes your attention off the road. Under the Highway Traffic Act (https://x-cops.ca/mississauga/), drivers cannot do any of the following activities while driving, even while stopped at a light:
- Use hand-held communication devices such as cell phones or smartphones;
- Text, dial or email;
- Use hand-held entertainment devices such as iPods or Nintendo 3DS;
- View display screens on laptops, tablets or DVD players;
- Program a GPS device
Distracted driving can also encompass many other types of behavior behind the wheel. Eating and drinking while driving, applying makeup, reading, or trying to reach an item in the back seat are all distractions that can cause someone to drive negligently and can cause a potentially serious accident. Unfortunately, we have all witnessed drivers on the roads who do not give their full attention to the task of driving.