Huronia West OPP targets distracted driving in week-long campaign, 100+ charges issued

An OPP R.I.D.E. spot-check is conducted in Clearview Township. (CTV NEWS/File Image)

Provincial police say its time motorists got the message that distracted and impaired driving carry serious consequences. OPP officers with the Huronia West detachment say a recent week-long campaign targeting high-risk behaviours netted over 100 charges.

From Nov. 24 to Nov. 30, officers patrolling in Wasaga Beach, Springwater and Clearview townships laid 73 distracted driving charges, 25 speeding charges, eight seatbelt violations, and seven impaired driving charges.

Police say recent initiatives focused on distracted and impaired driving revealed they are the two leading causes of serious collisions in Ontario.

"Distracted driving remains a serious concern," OPP stated in a Thursday news release. "In 2024, 82 people died on Ontario highways due to drivers who weren’t paying attention, which is a 43 per cent increase from 2023."

Police warn motorists it is illegal to operate handheld devices or view screens unrelated to driving.

“Penalties increase significantly for repeat offences, and novice drivers face a 30-day suspension for a single conviction,” OPP added.

The OPP’s annual Festive R.I.D.E. campaign is underway with an increase in spot-checks. Huronia West OPP says officers have conducted 86 R.I.D.E. checks since the campaign started on Nov. 20, which resulted in 10 impaired-related charges.

The holiday campaign runs until Jan. 1.