Archived Letter - 1332

Distracted Drivers
Many people driving get distracted easily. Whether you’re stopped at a red light or not, things can happen fast. Distracted driving includes reading or typing the address to your upcoming destination, making a quick phone call, changing the radio station, and even eating/drinking. In Ontario, the deaths from collisions caused by distracted driving have doubled since 2000. Every 30 minutes one person is injured in a collision caused by distracted driving in Ontario. Someone that is looking down at there phone is 4 times more likely to crash than someone focused on the road. Just like many other things distracted driving has penalties. The penalty you could get if you’re distracted driving depends on your license.  The penalty could include some jail time, a fine of up to $2,000, and a 30-day license suspension if you are convicted for your first time. I am a grade 8 student and once I get to driving age I’m not sure I’ll be comfortable with all my classmates this year driving. If they get distracted easily in the classroom I can just imagine them on the road. People need to be more aware of what they are doing and how they could potentially take someone's life.

Sincerely, Rosie McDougall

Rosie McDougall