Today, roughly 2/3 of the vehicles on the road contain some example of technology, one that can assist the driver with steering, braking or acceleration. Meanwhile, car makers appear to be on a path the leads in to the point where fully-automated cars come off of a plant’s assembly line. Meanwhile, drivers remain responsible for the actions that contribute to creation of an accident. Ontario’s new driving rules are meant to encourage avoidance of dangerous, on-road situations.
One rule seeks to reduce the numbers of accidents that were caused by drivers that got seated behind the steering wheel, while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This rule gives any police officer the right to stop a motorist and ask that same motorist to undergo testing. Any drivers that refuse to comply with the officer’s request should expect to be fined.
Personal injury lawyers in Chatham appreciate the need for such a law. In the past, some drivers took advantage of the option available to them. That option gave them the opportunity to have their blood tested at the police station. During the span of time that passed in going to the police station, a high blood alcohol level might drop down to an acceptable level.
Most of the other new rules call for an increase in the size of the fine that must be paid by certain drivers. Ontario has increased the fine placed on driver that has been guilty of distracted driving. In addition, drivers that have been stopped multiple times for that same violation could have their licenses suspended. An increase in the size of the fine for a driver that has gone through a red light. A similar increase for any driver that has failed to stop at a STOP sign or at a location where a school bus has stopped, and has proceeded to flash its lights.
Higher fines for drivers that have been caught speeding
Data collected by Ontario’s traffic authorities have suggested that DUI, distracted driving and reckless driving tend to cause the greatest numbers of accidents. That fact pushed Ontario’s legislators to target the drivers that displayed such unacceptable behaviors. The police will continue to ticket those that carry-out some other unacceptable behavior, while traveling down the road. For instance, the motorist that has allowed the car’s tires to venture into an adjoining lane could certainly get stopped by the police. That might be someone that needs a nap.
That sleepy driver could get a ticket, but he or she would not have to pay an exorbitant fine. Still, Ontario always has the right to pass more driving rules, which might try to regulate the length of time that motorists spend behind the steering wheel.