**TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE**

The Timmins Police Service is cautiously optimistic that newly imposed penalties for distracted driving offences that are set to be implemented on January 1st will have the desired effect on motorists.

Distracted driving is significantly over represented in traffic collisions as an identifiable cause.

The newly implemented penalties are server but necessary to address what is becoming all too common in terms of unsafe driving behaviors.

The fines for distracted driving have been increased under new provincial legislation so that the fines are up to a maximum of $1,000 (currently $490) with 3 demerit points attached for any first offence.

A second conviction carries a maximum fine of up to $2,000 with 6 demerit points attached.
Any third or subsequent violation of a similar nature brings penalty options that include fines of up to $3,000 as well as an additional six demerit points.

Offenders would also see their licence suspended for three days on a conviction for a first offence.

A seven day suspension is applied after two convictions, and a 30 day driver’s licence suspension is imposed for any third or more convictions

Novice drivers (those who carry a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence) would be subjected to the same penalties in terms of fines, but stand to have harsher driver’s licence suspensions imposed.
They are as follows:
– 30 days after a first offence
– 90 days after any second offence
– driver’s licence cancellation if they are convicted of any third or more distracted driving offences.

Timmins Police Traffic Sergeant Tom Chypyha adds “In all cases, the Timmins Police Service would rather educate than prosecute but the burden of being a responsible driver lies directly on the shoulders of the individual driver to take his or her responsibilities seriously and to address bad driving behaviors in keeping with the expectations of the public and the dictates of the Highway Traffic Act.

Timmins Police Service Traffic Constable Troy Larose echoes these sentiments by adding “Simply put, distracted driving leads to preventable collisions resulting in property damage, personal injury, and in some cases, death. The Timmins Police Service place a high priority on roadway safety in this community. We will enforce the laws that apply to roadway safety fairly and impartially. Those motorists found to be in contravention of distracted driving laws can expect a fair but firm response at the roadside in order to address poor judgement while behind the wheel.

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