Distractions still cause for concern

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By EMC News

EMC Editorial - The rules have been in place for close to two years. But it's clear too many drivers continue to follow dangerous practices when behind the wheel of their vehicle.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police, eight people have lost their lives on OPP-patroled highways as a result of distracted driving in the first six weeks of 2012. That's more than impaired driving and speeding combined, they say.

As a result, the latest targeted campaign aims to keep motorists focused on the task at hand, namely concentrating on the road and keeping distractions to a minimum.

What's different about the latest crackdown, being termed 'no excuses, no exceptions' for its duration Feb. 13-19, is just what police argue qualifies as a distraction. The issue that's captured much of the public's attention lately is cell phone use. Despite new laws banning the use of handheld devices, we still see many people chatting away on their phones throughout Leeds & Grenville. It's these and other drivers police will be hoping to educate with this campaign. But even simple daydreaming, the act of lighting a cigarette or finding a new station on the radio can create problems - with tragic results.

"Whether you're texting, talking, reading or shaving, a diversion - any diversion of attention that lowers one's ability to focus on driving - can happen and within seconds, someone else could die," notes Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander of the OPP Highway Safety division in a release.

One couple who lost their 18-year-old son as a result of a distracted driving collision have lent their support to the education effort. Damon Souliere began texting while driving on his way home from North Bay last year when his vehicle crossed the centre line and he smashed into a tractor-trailer. By sharing his story, parents Sydney and Suzanne hope to convince others to pull over safely to the side of the road to make that call or write a text.

"Our son was going into the Armed Forces to serve his country and help people," they say. "He was a good boy who made a mistake and now, getting the message out about the dangers of distracted driving is the only way he can help."

Those who fail to follow the rules can face fines of up to $2,000, have their licence suspended or even spend time in jail, depending on the circumstances.

To view one young man who's life was cut far too short as a result of distracted driving, the Souliere family invites people to visit Damon's Facebook page.