NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE
*************************
A 36-year-old Barrie woman was charged with distracted and careless driving following a collision in Bradford.
On Wednesday Sept. 25, 2019 at approximately 6:30 p.m., a BMW SUV travelling northbound on Barrie Street approaching Britannia Avenue failed to stop for the red light and struck an eastbound Honda Civic. The impact caused the Civic to strike a fire hydrant on the south east corner of the intersection. No one was injured but both vehicles were severely damaged.
As a result of investigation, a 36-year-old Barrie woman was charged with careless driving, drive - hand-held communication device and class G1 licence holder - unaccompanied by qualified driver.
A driver using a phone is four times more likely to crash than a driver focusing on the road. Luckily there were no injuries in this incident but in Ontario, deaths from collisions caused by distracted driving have doubled since 2000 according to the Ministry of Transportation. It's simple. Put down the phone. That call or text is not worth your life or jeopardizing the lives of other motorists and pedestrians.
Drivers with A, B, C, D, E, F, G and/or M licence face bigger penalties when convicted of distracted driving:
First conviction -
- a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
- a fine of up to $1,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
- three demerit points
- 3-day suspension
If convicted of careless driving, you may receive:
- six demerit points
- fines up to $2,000 and/or
- a jail term of six months
- a licence suspension of up to two years
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, South Simcoe Police Service officers responded to 80 calls for service.
************************
