Texting at red lights still a problem on roads nation-wide: survey

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OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – You likely see it every time you stop at a red light or maybe you do it yourself. About 33 per cent of Canadians who participated in a new poll by CAA admit they have texted while stopped at a light in the last month.

That’s despite tough financial penalties for distracted driving across the country in addition to the loss of demerit points.

Jeff Walker, the vice-president of public affairs at the CAA, says the numbers are troubling and being distracted by the text you’ve sent or received after the light turns green, making it incredibly dangerous.

The survey also suggests nearly 70 per cent of Canadians believe using their phone at a red light is unacceptable, but that leaves 30 per cent who may still do it.

Over the summer, the BC government announced stiffer penalties for distracted driving. As of June 1st, those caught with a phone in their hand while behind the wheel had to start paying a minimum of $543. This is the sum of an initial $368 fine (an increase from the existing fine of $167) and the $175 cost to pay off points against the licence.

Each offence will come with four penalty points, up from three. A second offence within one year will cost $888 and a fifth offence will cost $3,760 while a 10th runs $14,520.

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