Police operations to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving
Police operations to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving
Police operations from September 20th to 26th are currently being held throughout the Province of Quebec to intervene with distracted drivers using a cell phone, a portable electronic device or a display screen. The goal of this initiative, as part of the opération nationale concertée Distraction 2019, is to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.
“The use of a portable electronic devices or a driver’s display screen reduces the attention and concentration of that driver, and increases their risk of being involved in a collision,” said the press release issued by the Security Quebec Thursday. ”Distracted driving also greatly increases the chances of committing other violations of the Highway Safety Code. Remember that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal collisions or serious injuries in Quebec.”
Facts:
• Simply holding or otherwise using a portable electronic device while driving is strictly prohibited.
• As soon as you start a vehicle, you are driving. Even if you are stopped at a traffic light or traffic jam, you are driving!
• If you use a cell phone or any other portable device referred to in section 443.1 of the Highway Safety Code, in addition to receiving a minimum fine of $ 484 (including fees), 5 demerit points are added to your driving record. In the event of a repeat offense, your driver’s license will also be suspended immediately.
The opération nationale concertée Distraction 2019 has been deployed under the theme « Si vous conduisez, laissez votre cellulaire de côté ! » or “If you’re driving, leave your cell phone alone! “. Although the sources of distraction are diverse and numerous, the cell phone is known as the main source of distraction. The operation aims to remind you that when driving (regardless of the means of transportation), it is important to stay focused on the road and your immediate environment.
SAAQ awareness campaign (September 9th to October 6th, 2019)
In relation to The SQ’s opération nationale concertée Distraction, the SAAQ launched the Cell or Steering Awareness Campaign on September 9th. This aims to remind drivers of the risks associated with the use of a cell phone while driving, whether it is to text, to browse on the web, to choose music or to listen to a video. Messages like this will be broadcast on TV, radio, Spotify and social media. In addition, a video capsule will be broadcast on gas pumps.
