An Oshawa distracted driving enforcement campaign resulted in 50 provincial offence notices for motorists accused of using handheld communication devices in just two days.
Durham Regional Police Service said officers from East Division conducted the enforcement campaign in North Oshawa, focusing on the area around Taunton Road West and Wilson Road North.
Police monitored drivers in the area for two days as part of an effort targeting the use of handheld communication devices behind the wheel.
Police issue 50 handheld device notices
According to Durham police, officers issued 50 provincial offence notices related to driving while using a handheld communication device during the two-day campaign.
Police also issued notices for 12 unrelated offences discovered during the enforcement initiative.
The results mean officers dealt with a total of 62 alleged offences during the two days of monitoring.
The campaign highlights the continued focus by police on distracted driving and the risks associated with motorists using cellphones and other handheld devices while operating vehicles.
Drivers reminded about financial penalties
Durham police also reminded motorists about the financial consequences associated with distracted-driving offences.
According to information provided by DRPS, the fine for using a handheld communication device such as a cellphone while driving is $500.
Police said the amount increases to a total of $615 once applicable additional costs are included.
Convictions can also result in demerit points, adding consequences beyond the financial penalty.
DRPS said drivers can face between three and six demerit points depending on the circumstances.
North Oshawa intersection targeted
The Oshawa distracted driving campaign concentrated on Taunton Road West and Wilson Road North.
The area is part of North Oshawa’s busy road network and carries motorists travelling through residential and commercial sections of the city.
By monitoring a specific location over consecutive days, officers were able to identify dozens of motorists allegedly violating Ontario’s rules governing handheld communication devices.
Police did not provide individual details about the drivers who received notices.
Handheld devices remain enforcement focus
Using a handheld cellphone or other communication device can take a driver’s attention away from surrounding vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, traffic signals and changing road conditions.
The Oshawa campaign demonstrates how frequently officers can encounter alleged handheld-device violations during a relatively short enforcement period.
With 50 notices issued over two days, Durham police are using the results to remind motorists to keep handheld communication devices out of use while behind the wheel.
Drivers should ensure their attention remains on the road and understand the rules governing electronic devices before travelling.
DRPS urges motorists to avoid distractions
The campaign forms part of ongoing police efforts to promote safer driving across Durham Region.
Traffic enforcement initiatives can focus on behaviours that increase collision risks, including distracted driving and other violations observed by officers.
In this case, the Oshawa distracted driving campaign produced 50 handheld-device notices along with another 12 notices for unrelated offences.
Durham Regional Police are reminding motorists that using a handheld communication device while driving can carry a significant fine and demerit points.
The results of the North Oshawa campaign provide a clear warning to motorists that distracted-driving laws continue to be actively enforced throughout the region.
