“Distracted driving relates to handheld devices in the vehicle. There’s no charge in the Highway Traffic Act that covers eating or other distractions while driving. However, they would likely fall under careless driving because it relates to not having due attention on the road. But the ‘distracted driving’ charge is specifically for handheld devices. Our message is always: make your priority operating the vehicle safely and rid yourself of distractions. To avoid being charged for using your handheld device, you must be pulled over to the side of the road and in park where it’s clear there is no intention to drive. But sometimes people pull over onto the shoulder of the highway. You can imagine the sort of traffic hazards that may create. Instead, use rest stops if you need to use your handheld device.”—Samantha Bigley, an OPP constable in Bracebridge, Ont.
This article was originally published in the Winter 2020 issue of Cottage Life.
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