Safety on the roads is a high priority for the province of Ontario and this is being reflected in the laws that have recently passed, with more scheduled to pass into 2017, via Bill 31.

Rarely does a day go by when someone is not involved in a motor vehicle accident. Individuals are hurt, injured and sometimes even killed. The number of accidents could decrease if safety rules are followed.

Bill 31 or the “Making Ontario Roads Safer Act” was passed with no opposition in June of this year. While many commented on the tougher and more stringent changes being imposed on drivers, virtually everyone believes these steps are necessary.

One of issues addressed by the Bill is that of distracted drivers. Distracted driving, which can take many forms, including using your cellphone, applying makeup, eating, etc., is one of the most common and preventable causes of car accidents. There are many serious and in some cases deadly risks associated with distracted driving.

In Ontario, distracted driving laws state that it is illegal to operate any hand-held or electronic device while driving, including viewing any screens that do not pertain to your current driving route/trip. This includes GPS devices, music players, phones and even hands-free devices that require scrolling or manual input. It is important to note that hand-held devices can be used at any time to call 911.  

Distracted driving did carry a range in fines of $60.00 to $500.00. With the new Bill, this has been changed to a $490.00 and three demerit points, with a thirty day minimum suspension for new drivers.

Another important issue addressed by the Bill, is the safety of cyclists. Cyclists have long been the victims of the poor driving of many drivers. . The new laws being implemented dictate that drivers must give cyclists at least one metre of space. In addition, if a cyclist is hit by a driver while opening their door, a fine of $365.00 will be given as well as three demerit points added onto the offender’s licence.

Cyclists are also required to have the proper safety parts on their bikes; particularly brake lights and reflectors. Currently, there is a $20.00 fine for failure to do so, but that will be increased to $110.00 with the new Bill.

Emergency vehicles, such as, police, security, fire and rescue, paramedics, etc. respond to urgent, often life or death, situations everyday. It is important that drivers “give way” to these vehicles in order to ensure everyone’s safety. If a driver comes across one of these emergency vehicles stopped with lights flashing, which now includes tow trucks that have stopped to provide added assistance, the driver is required to first slow down and move a lane over, away from the emergency vehicle. Failure to follow this rule carries a $490.00 fine.

Pedestrians have also been included in the recent changes. As it is not uncommon to hear of tragic accidents where pedestrians are seriously hurt, injured or killed by motorists, it will soon be required that the latter keep their foot on the brake at pedestrian crossings, until the individuals crossing have reached the other side of the road. The Ministry of Transportation has estimated that around half of all fatalities involving pedestrians happen at intersections. Legislators are hopeful that his new provison will save lives and minimize the occurrence of accidents on pedestrian crossovers.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DWAI (Driving while Ability Impaired) and OWI (Operating while Impaired) are all criminal charges associated with impaired driving in Canada.  Anyone who is found driving under the influence of drugs will be facing the same charges and penalties as drunk drivers and the offending individual’s licence could be suspended from three to ninety days, and their vehicle may be impounded for seven days.

As experienced Ottawa personal injury lawyers, we at Burn Tucker Lachaîne have represented many clients who have been injured in car accidents and motor vehicle accidents, including cyclists and pedestrians. We see the impact and negative effects that these accidents have on not just victims but their families as well.

We offer the highest level of service to all our potential and existing clients. We represent our clients in both English and French and are easily contacted through this website or via phone. We will meet with you at our office or at your home or the hospital.

We are here to help.

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