Police are reminding motorists of the dangers associated with cell phone use while driving. 

As one of the biggest forms of distraction, using a cell phone while driving places the driver, occupants within the vehicle and all others who share the roadway, including pedestrians, at increased risk.

Safe driving requires a driver’s complete awareness of and focus on their surroundings at all times while having the ability to react immediately. A driver who takes their eyes off the road to view a cell phone, for even a split second, compromises everyone’s safety. That split second of time taken to read or send a text message could equal a lifetime of regret.

RCMP NL Traffic Services are actively enforcing violations.  A summary offence ticket for using a cell phone while driving is associated with a minimum fine of $390 and four demerit points, for a first offence.  Subsequent tickets can have fines as high as $1,300. Additionally, drivers who are ticketed for cell phone violations are susceptible to increased insurance rates.