A driver is facing charges after being caught watching videos on their cellphone while driving a vehicle in autonomous mode on an Ottawa highway during the afternoon rush hour, according to police. Ontario Provincial Police Const. Michael Fathi said an officer observed a driver watching videos on their phone on Highway 417 near Parkdale Avenue just before 4 p.m. on Monday. The driver was charged with distracted driving, which includes a $615 fine, three demerit points and a three-day driving suspension upon conviction. “The driver was also charged with careless driving as he was looking down at the video and not paying attention to the road,” Fathi said. “Despite the vehicle being in autonomous mode, a driver must still pay due care and attention to the road.” The fine for careless driving upon conviction is $490 and six demerit points. “Leave the phone alone,” the OPP said.
