Like it or not, the dangers of texting-and-driving are here to stay and no matter what laws are passed, Ontario drivers will continue to do it. Indeed, a recent survey of Canadian high school students indicates that approximately 36 percent out of 108,000 students admitted to texting-and-driving. When specifically looking at grade 12 students, the number increases to 46 percent.
The biannual study, called the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, revealed that texting-and-driving was not the only risky and unhealthy behaviour that the students engage in. Apparently, over half the surveyed students do not use a helmet when they ride their bicycles. Approximately 25 percent of students also reported that they spend time playing video games every day.
The study focused on the texting-and-driving question because it is well known to be an extremely risky activity. Indeed, taking one’s attention off the road for an instant in order to read or write a text message has been blamed on numerous fatal accidents in Canada. A senior scientist for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health said that they were surprised to discover that so many teens were doing it. Indeed, texting-while-driving and the use of cellphones while driving has been illegal in Ontario since April 2009. Those who are caught could face fines as high as $280.
Texting and driving can result in a serious or fatal accident on the road. Victims who are injured by another driver who is guilty of texting and driving may have legal recourse to seek financial restitution for their injuries. Restitution may include money for medical care, money for pain and suffering and other types of damages.
Source: pfhub.com, "36 percent of licensed drivers in grades 10 to 12 admitted to texting while driving" Andrew Moran, Jul. 14, 2014
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