Chatham-Kent, ON: On the 14th of March, 2013 at 8:19 a.m. the Chatham-Kent
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on patrol of the 401 Highway in Chatham-Kent.
The OPP pulled alongside a tractor-trailer that was travelling eastbound on the
401 Highway. The officer could see the driver talking on a cell phone. The rig was
pulled over east of 40 Highway and the driver confirmed that he was speaking with
a family member on his cell phone; while driving.
Afzal CHAUDHARY, a 51 year old Markham, Ontario man, has been charged with
* Drive Hand Held Communication Device under the Highway Traffic Act.
Cell phones and other wireless communication and entertainment devices are a significant
visual and cognitive distraction for drivers, with average "eyes off the road" times
that increase the risk of collision considerably. At highway speed, a driver sending
a simple text message travels the length of a football field without looking at
the road.
The dangers of distracted driving are real and the evidence speaks for itself: drivers
who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a collision than a driver
who is focused on the road.
OPP Contact Information
- OPP Non-emergency Phone: 1-888-310-1122
- CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-T.I.P.S. (8477)
- OPP Website
- Winter Driving Information: 1-800-268-4686
-
Road Conditions
- Elgin County OPP: 519-631-2920
- Follow us on Twitter at:
www.twitter.com/OPP_News
- Provincial ROPE Squad: toll free at 1-866-870-ROPE (7673)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: toll free at 1-888-654-9426 or www.antifraudcentre.ca
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