Despite Ontario having been one of the best road safety records in Canada, if not the world, police have reported an uphill trend in preventable road deaths compared to last year. Since May 2020, 71 people have died in fatal collisions on Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patrolled roads, up from 61 in the same period in 2019. The most common causes behind Cornwall’s road traffic accidents are impaired, distracted and aggressive driving, and seatbelt violations. These are all easily avoidable, and the police hope that new laws introduced last year will halt the rise in preventable road deaths.

New Driving Rules

New laws introduced in 2019 see that drivers convicted of motoring offenses in Cornwall will face stiffer penalties than ever before. Some of the new fines facing drivers include failing to carry a driving license, driving without valid insurance, running a red light, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, violating a carpool lane, and not stopping for a school bus. The police can now issue higher penalties in the hope that it will deter repeat offenders.

Road Safety Starts With Your Vehicle

Even the very best drivers increase their risk of being in an accident every mile per hour they drive. While what you do behind the wheel is integral to how safe you are on the road, the actual vehicle you are driving has a significant impact on your safety and that of your passengers and other road users. Ensure you do thorough research to find a quality car or minivan that can handle different road conditions and offers collision impact reduction design, high-quality airbags, and accident avoidance to reduce and even prevent injuries.

Fines For Distracted Drivers

Any Cornwall driver now found using their phone, adjusting the radio, dealing with children in the back, eating, or putting on makeup while behind the wheel will be convicted of distracted driving. The new road rules will now see convicted drivers handed a minimum fine of $490, a three-day suspension of their license, and three demerit points. Second offenders will face a minimum of $2000 fine and a seven-day suspension of their license. If convicted three times for distracted driving, the motorist will receive a $3000 fine, six demerit points, and a 30-day license suspension. 

Canada has seen considerable reductions in road traffic collisions in the last 50 years thanks to government and non-government organizations’ concerted efforts. However, with road crashes remaining a leading cause of injury and death for Canadians, it’s down to the individual road user to play their part in making our roads safer for everyone.