Distracted Driving… did you know?

In Ontario, texting and driving is not the only thing that can get you in trouble.

According to the OPP website, anything from eating or drinking coffee, to talking to a passenger or even using your GPS can be constructed as distracted driving.

The penalties for these types of offenses are:

• a fine of $225, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $280 if settled out of court
• a fine of up to $500 if you receive a summons or fight your ticket

If others are endangered because of your distraction, you can be charged with careless driving, an offense that if convicted of, will automatically give you:

• six demerit points
• fines up to $2,000 and/or
• a jail term of six months
• up to two-year licence suspension

You could also be charged with dangerous driving (a criminal offence), with jail terms of up to five years.

So now you know!  The Seeker would like to remind you to be vigilant and especially, don’t do anything and drive…