Ontario’s Distracted Driving Ban: 2 Years Later
This fall marks the two year anniversary of the texting and driving ban in Ontario.
As the Legislative Assembly of Ontario states in Bill 118:
No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway if the display screen of a television, computer or other device in the motor vehicle is visible to the driver. 1
The ban of hand-held devices throughout Ontario was established in 2009. Drivers could face up to a $500 penalty if caught.
A recent poll shows that a large number of drivers are still witnessed using hand-held devices while driving. Well known instances include Mayor Rob Ford's use of his phone in the car over the summer as well as further accusations this fall. Another report by Hands Free Info states that "A year after enforcement of the province’s handheld electronic devices ban, Toronto Police say they’re citing about 40 motorists a day". This year, over 1,600 tickets for distracted driving have been written during the Victoria Day weekend of 2011.
What is the effect of this legislation? Clearly, if drivers are continuing to use their cell phones despite the fines, the dangers and the risks, the law does not prove to be enough. Drivers continue to use their phones, sometimes even below the steering wheel, making it more dangerous than before.
Hands-free devices are still permitted in Ontario and Voice on the Go is the perfect solution. It is an alternative that not only complies with the distracted driving law, but increases driver safety. A one year subscription of voice on the Go could save you from the hundreds of dollars that could be potentially spent on penalties and driving accidents. Get voice on the Go here.
Texting and Driving laws are put in place for good reason. Let's help keep our roads safer and comply with the hands-free law.
Hands Free Law in Ontario – Effective Oct 26th, 2009
Hands Free Law in Ontario – Despite the law, drivers can still stay more productive than ever.
As of October 26th, 2009, drivers in Ontario are now required to use a hands free device while talking on a cell phone or mobile device. This means that while behind the wheel, drivers must not use their hands to dial numbers, write text message or compose emails. From now, until January 26th, drivers found in violation of the law will only receive a warning, but once this grace period is over Police will begin issuing fines of $500.00.
The law was put into effect this past April 2009, and Ontario is the fourth region in Canada to enact this kind of legislation in the past 6 years. So far, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Quebec now have a hands free laws in effect. Presently, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are currently in the process of passing similar legislation.
As can be seen, there are a growing number of provinces and states throughout North America now moving in this direction towards hands free legislation. As more and more people today are staying connected through mobile devices, this will undoubtedly increase the demand for hands free devices and services such as Voice On The Go, a powerful new voice solution that allows drivers to send texts and listen to emails with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. There is nothing to download and nothing to install. It works on ANY cell phone, ANY handsfree device, and on ANY wireless network.
People recognize the kind of productivity they can accomplish while driving, if given an option to do so that both safe and legal. We continue to see demand for our service increase as this kind of legislation becomes the norm across North America, in more and more provinces and states, and are excited to play a positive role in helping people to stay productive while on the road, in a way that is comfortable and safe.
Voice on the Go
What people are saying!
- Drivers Ed Georgia on Time Management Tips from OfficeTime
- Text Marketing on Mobile Productivity – Listen to Email While You Drive
- DJ Glenn Miller on Ontario Hands Free Law – Quick Facts
- Karen on Bluetooth Warning: Bluetooth Alone Does Not Comply With New Hands Free Legislation
- Foster Oliver on About
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