DRYDEN – NEWS – Dryden Police Service is concerned about a growing number of distracted drivers. Drivers using their handheld devices or entertainment devices while driving has seen increased numbers of charges in the city.
“Driving is a privilege,” says Inspector Ann Tkachyk of the Dryden Police Service. “We want drivers and the public to be safe. Road safety is a top priority of the Dryden Police Service and we encourage drivers not to risk their safety, the safety of anyone in their vehicle or the public safety. We also want to encourage drivers not to risk their good driving record or insurance premiums by being convicted of a Distracted Driving offence.”
Dryden Police report that from January to March 2019, seventeen (17) Distracted Driving charges were laid related to Hand Held Devices. Additionally, between April and June 2019, thirty (30) Distracted Charges were laid.
Dryden Police Service reports, “In January 2019, new distracted driving laws came into effect in Ontario. Distracted driving laws include the use of handheld communication or entertainment devices and display screens. While you are driving, including when you are stopped in traffic or at a red light, is it illegal to use a phone or other handheld wireless device to text or dial. You can only touch a device to call 911. You cannot use a handheld electronic device such as a tablet or gaming console. You cannot view display screens unrelated to driving such as watching a video. You cannot program a GPS device, except by voice.”
In Ontario, data collected since 2000, indicates that collisions caused by distracted driving have doubled. The statistics in Ontario in 2013 indicate that a person is injured in a distracted driving collision every half hour.
Fines and other penalties are extremely high in Ontario starting with a $615 fine at the roadside. Fines increase on subsequent convictions. Upon conviction, there is a loss of 3 demerit points and a 3-day license suspension. If you choose to dispute a ticket, fines go up. Upon conviction, drivers could also face additional substantial consequences by their insurance company.
Police Foot Chase around Dryden
A 36-year-old male is in custody after an extensive foot chase around Dryden yesterday. On July 24, 2019, at approximately 10:30 am, officers observed a male wanted by the Dryden Police Service. Immediately, the accused ran from police through various yards and streets from Pitt Ave to Ross Street to Earl Avenue. At one point the accused was seen on a bike trying to flee from police. The foot chase gained public attention and citizens assisted police by calling in the accused’s location. At approximately 12:00 pm, officers apprehended the male and during a short struggle, police were further assisted by a retired police officer.
Frances Charles PERREAULT – 36-years-old of Dryden, ON is currently in custody facing charges of Fail to Comply with Probation Order, Resist Arrest, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon. No injuries were reported during this incident.
