​Hundreds of inattentive drivers charged in West Region OPP “Stay Focused” campaign

(LONDON, ON) - The West Region OPP’s traffic initiative, "Stay Focused," has led to hundreds of charges against inattentive drivers on area roads and highways.

The campaign ran March 1 to April 4 and during that time, West Region OPP officers, alongside members of the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement team, have charged 232 drivers under Ontario's distracted driving law. Detachment-specific figures are shown below:



Distracted driving refers to all forms of distracted or inattentive driving, such as adjusting a vehicle's entertainment system or GPS unit or stereo, eating and drinking, using a hand-held communication or hand-held entertainment device, self-grooming or tending to children in the back seat.

Drivers also need to be aware that using a hand-held communication or entertainment device while stopped at a traffic light, Stop sign, or when stopped in traffic for any reason, is also a distracted driving offence.

Motorists convicted of distracted driving face significant penalties.

“Inattentive driving continues to be a serious issue on our roads,” says acting staff-sergeant Julie McLeod, West Region OPP traffic and marine. “The OPP will continue to target drivers who make our roads unsafe by dividing their attention between driving and using a cell phone. All drivers have a responsibility to direct their entire attention to driving safely.”