Ontario's New Road Rules for 2015
Starting September 1, 2015 the Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act has been trying to make Ontario’s roads safer. The updated set of driving rules have increased fines and punishments for a handful of common bad driving habits in the hopes that people will improve their driving if threatened with a hefty fine.
Here’s an overview of what’s new when it comes to driving in Ontario:
Distracted Driving
Be aware that distracted driving constitutes much more than most people realize, especially in this age where people can’t go five minutes without checking their smartphone. A good rule to follow is that if it takes your hands off the wheel, it’s distracted driving. That includes fiddling with a GPS, doing makeup, even just holding your phone in one hand while talking on speaker.
If you’re caught doing any of these things you’ll be slapped with a $300 - $1,000 fine and lose three demerit points. If you have less than four years experience behind the wheel, your licence will be suspended for 30 days if it's your first offence and 90 days if it's not.
Be smart, turn off the phone if you can’t resist using it or buy a cheap dashboard mount on Amazon so you can keep your device in view and your hands on the wheel.
Don’t Take Risks with Pedestrians
When you’re at a crosswalk, don’t hit the gas until every pedestrian and crossing guard is off the road, regardless of if they’ve passed your lane or not. I can’t tell you how many times I was almost hit by someone who thought they could finish their turn before I crossed their lane. Hopefully a $150 - $500 fine will make people think twice.
Be Safe Around Cyclists
Drivers are now responsible for checking behind them to avoid “dooring” passing cyclists. Should you hit one with your door you’ll be looking at shelling out a $300 - $1000 fine. Additionally drivers are required to maintain distances no less than one metre when passing cyclists.
Slow Down for Tow Trucks
Just like for emergency vehicles, tow trucks stopped at roadside with flashing amber lights will require drivers to slow down and move over. Drivers who don’t will face fines of anywhere from $400 - $2,000.
Don’t Drive If You’re Intoxicated
You’ve heard it a million times already, but it bears repeating, because people still do it. Under the new act, driving under the influence of drugs both legal and otherwise will be treated just as bad as if you’re drunk.
The bottom line is if you’re stopped, tested and deemed to be impaired (even slightly), your licence will be immediately suspended for anywhere from 3 days to the rest of your life, depending on the severity of the situation. You could also face fines of up to $500 or more, be subjected to a treatment program, undergo a mandatory medical review, have your vehicle impoundment and so much more.
Aside from the incentive of not seriously hurting yourself or other people, having good driving habits will help keep your insurance premiums low and who doesn’t love saving money? Be safe out there.