Ontario to implement strict laws for distracted drivers

Canadian province Ontario is set to introduce tough new laws and penalties to punish distracted drivers to help improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

New measures to be introduced later this year will include fines, licence suspension, and imprisonment for an offence caused by careless driving that results in death or injury.

Using a phone while driving a vehicle could result in higher fines, more penalty points, and even licence suspensions.

As part of the new laws, penalties will be increased for drivers who endanger pedestrians, with fines increased for those convicted of multiple pedestrian-related offences within a five-year period.

The government also plans to fine vehicle owners for expanding the use of rear flashing blue lights for enforcement and emergency vehicles.

"Ontario is taking action to reduce the number of people killed by impaired, distracted and dangerous drivers."

By implementing these new safety measures, the government intends to protect pedestrians and cyclists and reduce the number of people killed or injured by dangerous drivers.

Ontario Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca said: "Ontario is taking action to reduce the number of people killed by impaired, distracted and dangerous drivers.  

"These measures will help keep some of our most vulnerable road users safe and help us drive home the message that dangerous, impaired and distracted driving is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated."

The province is also carrying out consultations on the use of cameras on school buses that capture the offence of illegally passing a school bus, so that the evidence can be heard in court without a witness.