The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) and Halton Region officially launched the #ItCanWaitHalton distracted driving initiative at HRPS Headquarters Monday, October 28, 2019.
The two-week campaign, which runs until Friday, November 8, 2019, focuses on enhanced enforcement of distracted driving law and education about the risks associated with distracted driving.
“Every day, our officers routinely observe distracted driving; not only is this illegal, it puts all road users at risk,” said HRPS Deputy Chief Jeff Hill. “The #ItCanWaitHalton initiative aims to positively influence driver behaviour and reduce the use of handheld devices while driving, in an effort to increase traffic safety. Together, we can keep Halton roads safe.”
During the campaign, residents will be reminded through social media, digital and print signage that when they are behind the wheel, everything else can wait.
“Halton Region and the Halton Regional Police Service are working together on this important initiative to ensure our roads and communities remain safe,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Preventing collisions and injuries starts with safe driving — we need motorists to put their phones away and focus on the road.”
Ontario’s distracted driving law states that while you are driving, including when stopped in traffic or at a red light, it is illegal to:
- use a phone or other hand-held wireless communication device to text or call– you can only touch a device to call 911 in an emergency;
- use a hand-held electronic entertainment device, such as a tablet or portable gaming console;
- view display screens unrelated to driving, such as watching a video; and
- program a GPS device, except by voice commands.
The Halton Regional Police Service and Halton Region are encouraging drivers to focus on driving safely by:
- sending text messages or making phone calls before you get in your car;
- turning off your phone or switching notifications to silent; and
- reviewing your phone settings. Some phones have a Do Not Disturb While Driving feature that mutes incoming calls, texts and notifications while you drive.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. We thank the community for doing their part to stop driving distracted and for helping ensure that every driver, pedestrian and cyclist arrives at their destination safely.
For more tips on how to avoid distracted driving and to engage in the conversation, follow #ItCanWaitHalton over social media or visit halton.ca.
Residents are reminded that they can report a distracted driver through the Halton Regional Police Service’s Road Watch Online reporting tool. To learn more, visit haltonpolice.ca.