Driving safe

Distracted drivers are 23 times more likely to get involved in an accident. According to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. New research shows Windsor has a higher likelihood of crashes occurring due to drivers texting while driving, with teens being most likely to be involved in an accident.

According to Luhrsen-Goldberg Law Firm.com, talking and texting is the most common cause of distracted driving and the leading cause of car accidents world wide. Individuals who text and drive are 23 times more likely to crash, than a driver who is more focused on the road. It is perfectly acceptable to use a Bluetooth device for talking or a mounted device such as phone or GPS if it is secure, according to Ontario.ca.

Distracted drivers could face a fine of up to $1000 by Windsor law enforcement depending on the offence.

Constable. Talya Natyshak with Windsor Police Service Corporate Communications Unit said drivers have options if they stopped for distracted driving

“That person would be issued a ticket and they would have to appear in front of the Justice of the Peace and answer to that charge if they so choose to fight that ticket,” said Natyshak. “If they choose to plead guilty they could pay the fines that are associated with that and along with the new distracted driving laws if there is a guilty plea there could be a license suspension and points.”

Natyshak also said drivers could increase their demerit points lost.

“I believe the first offence you can lose up to three points and every further offence the points would go up from there,” said Natyshak.

Other driving safety hazards include driving while intoxicated. Alcohol was found to be involved

in 2.17 per cent of car collisions. This percentage is slightly below the five-year City of Windsor average of 2.29 per cent. The highest year for the percentage of fatal collisions involving alcohol was 67 per cent in 2016 in Windsor.

Natyshak said people should call police if they suspect another driver is intoxicated.

“Call 911. The Windsor Police Service considers that an emergency call. If somebody is on the roadway and they are suspected to be impaired then we would definitely encourage the public to call 911,” said Natyshak.

Winter driving presents several hazards in Windsor. Through December and January vehicle accidents rose 3 to 5 per cent. which has resulted in a 49 per cent increase in insurance claims. Black ice and lake effect snow can be hazardous in the winter due to the latter creating low visibility.

Nadia Matoes, media and public relations consultant with the Canadian Automobile Association, has tips for safe driving in the winter: Drive according to the weather conditions, check the weather conditions before you go out and take all the necessary precautions.

Money.com also has tips on how to be a safe driver, including respect the right of way of everyone, do not exceed the speed limits, pay attention to the roads and always wear your seat belt.