Distracted driving. It boggles my mind to think how people seem to think that looking at a cell phone screen could be more important than looking at the road ahead of them as they drive but alas, we live in an age of distraction and dare i suggest – self absorption?

Many governing bodies have been required to enforce rules against such behavior but people don’t seem to be listening. In Ontario for example, the government has increased fines and suspensions. Insurance companies have now joined the fight and will be penalizing people who are convicted for distracted driving by classifying these tickets as “major convictions”.

For those who don’t know, a major conviction equates to increased premiums on your insurance. Distracted drivers will receive a license suspension as well as a huge fine. The suspension period and fine amount will vary depending on the number of subsequent offenses:

• First offense: 3 days suspension and $1,000 fine
• Second offense: 7 days suspension and $2,000 fine
• Three or more offenses: 30 days suspension, $3,000 fine and six demerit points

Police offers will not be allowed to seize driver’s licenses at the scene of the crime. Only a judge’s can order a suspension after the driver is found guilty will the driver’s license be suspended. The tougher laws will come into effect sometime in the next few months.

Put the phone down people and drive. There are already so many bad drivers out there, you need to see and react to them.