Toronto police are riding the TTC to catch distracted drivers today
It’s officially day three of the Toronto Police’s road safety blitz and today’s agenda includes hunting for distracted drivers… while perched inside TTC vehicles.
During the week-long safety blitz, officers are looking for motorists using their cellphones while driving.
On Wednesday, officers are riding in the back of streetcars and buses and when they spot distracted drivers on the road, they will call into officers in cruisers following in front and behind the TTC vehicle to pull the drivers over and issue them a ticket.
In a video shared on Twitter by Toronto Police Services, Seargent Brett Moore said drivers aren’t fooling anybody by having their phones at the side of their laps when they are driving or when they are stopped at traffic lights.
“The perspective from these vehicles allows us to see inside vehicles much better,” said Moore.
Day 3 of @torontopolice #DistractedDriving Campaign. Zero tolerance enforcement. We will be on #TTC vehicles 2day… https://t.co/TU24xUONZn
— TPS Traffic Services (@TrafficServices) January 16, 2019
By 9 am on Wednesday morning, Toronto Police had already issued their first ticket for distracted driving.
“We just finished writing the first ticket, when we saw this driver and passenger both on their cell phones. The passenger should be the navigator, not the driver,” said Constable Giancarlo Marrelli.
We just finished writing the first ticket, when we saw this driver and passenger both on their cell phones. The passenger should be the navigator, not the driver. #DoYouSEEWhatsHappening #PutDownThePhone @CP24 @CityNews pic.twitter.com/SwWLU0pN1Y
— Giancarlo Marrelli (@YourTrafficCop) January 16, 2019
As of January 1, those who are caught using a hand-held device, such as a cell phone, while driving will be fined up to $1,000.
Those caught will also receive a three-day licence suspension and three demerit points.
Fines will double if there’s a second conviction within five years, and they’ll triple if there’s a third.
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