Can I Claim Compensation from a Distracted Driver and How Will The New Distracted Driving Laws in Ontario Affect Road Users? In a recent blog post, we discussed the legalities surrounding the operation of motor vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs, under the Criminal Code of Canada. Accompanying the fairly new Cannabis legislation, are further stringencies concerning Ontario drivers, which are expected to come into effect on January 1st, 2019. Any driver convicted of distracted driving will now be sanctioned with demerit points and have their driving licence suspended for up to a maximum of thirty days. However, the period given is determined by the number of times the culprit has been apprehended and convicted for the prohibited act. Drivers who are caught conversing on their mobile phones, texting, dialling or emailing from any electronic handheld device can also be fined up to $3000 in addition to the suspension of their driving licence. – Evidently, the initiative is to encourage safer driving and to dissuade drivers from driving carelessly. However, while it will be interesting to observe whether the rollout of stricter laws that impose harsher penalties are successful, it would be advisable for drivers to put away their devices before they start their journey. Does this mean that drivers aren’t getting the message? Arguably, this could very well be the case. However, once implemented, Ontario will undoubtedly have the toughest penalties for drivers that repeatedly disobey road rules and find themselves convicted of distracted driving. That said if you find yourself less worried about the prospect of having to pay a fine. Keep in mind that you may be subjected to what may seem an excessively increased car insurance premium also. Moreover, distracted driving is more than just using your handheld devices while at the wheel of the car. For instance, according to the official Government of Ontario website, there are a number of activities that are deemed distracting driving, stating ‘when you aren’t focused on the roads, things happen fast’. Activities such as: – Eating or smoking – Reading (books, maps, newspapers) – Playing extremely loud music – Personal grooming Just to name a few. Nevertheless, it is always important to stay abreast of driving laws within your province, as enhanced restrictions may actually be on the horizon and as one can imagine having a suspended licence can really interfere with everyday life. Distracted driving accidents are often preventable. Drivers have a responsibility to drive responsibly and with others in mind. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a distracted driver, contact experienced personal injury lawyer, Marc Spivak, of Devry Smith Frank LLP, directly at (416) 446-5855. Lawyers will work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve. “This article is intended to inform. Its content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon by readers as such. If you require legal assistance, please see a lawyer. Each case is unique and a lawyer with good training and sound judgment can provide you with advice tailored to your specific situation and needs.” By Fauzan SiddiquiBlog, Personal InjuryDecember 27, 2018June 15, 2020
Harsher Penalties Proposed for Distracted Driving Harsher penalties have been proposed for distracted and careless drivers, in an effort to help save the lives of pedestrians and cyclists. The proposed changes introduce a new provincial offence for careless driving causing death or bodily harm, tougher punishments for distracted driving and increased penalties for drivers who fail to yield for pedestrians. The legislation will be introduced this fall, but may take up to two years to come into effect. These changes would amend the Highway Traffic Act, and drivers will see significant penalty increases, such as a licence suspension up to five years, two years in jail, and fines up to $50,000. In addition, fines for using a cellphone behind the wheel and other offences will see stricter and stiffer penalties, and could see distracted driving penalties change to the following: For fully licensed drivers: Current: Fine of $300 – $1,000 Three demerit points Proposed: First conviction: 3 day licence suspension $500 – $1,000 fine Three demerit points Second: 7 day suspension $500 – $2,000 fine 6 demerit points Third: 30 day suspension $500 – $3,000 fine 6 demerit points For novice drivers (G1, G2, M1, M2) will face the same fine structure, but will be given the following: No demerit points First conviction: 30 day licence suspension Second: 90 Day suspension Third: Cancellation of licence For more information on these proposed changes and to see the full list of proposed changes, please visit this link to view the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Transportation’s News release. At Devry Smith Frank LLP we have experienced lawyers in all areas of law. If you are looking for a lawyer or have general questions, please feel free to contact one of our lawyers today, or call us directly at 416-449-1400. By: Nicolas Di Nardo “This article is intended to inform. Its content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon by readers as such. If you require legal assistance, please see a lawyer. Each case is unique and a lawyer with good training and sound judgment can provide you with advice tailored to your specific situation and needs.” By Fauzan SiddiquiBlog, Criminal LawSeptember 22, 2017June 18, 2020