Posted:
In their continued effort to address traffic safety issues and educate citizens on the rules of the road, the Integrated Traffic Unit will focus on distracted driving throughout the month of March.
Driver distraction, such as talking or texting on a cell phone, is a leading cause of collisions in Canada. Five years ago, hand-held cell phone use and text messaging while driving became prohibited in Nova Scotia. Despite education and enforcement surrounding this issue, people continue to use cell phones while driving and every year, police issue in excess of 2,000 tickets for this infraction in HRM alone. On February 1, 2015 fines increased to $233.95 for a first offence with the addition of four demerit points on your driver’s license upon conviction. It’s safest to avoid talking on a cell phone while driving but if you must answer/make calls, use a hands-free device, and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Speed is another major contributing factor in collisions. We remind motorists that increased speed decreases your reaction time and increases your stopping distance.