IBC Supports Safer Roads in Ontario

TORONTO, March 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Government introduced new legislation and amendments to the Highway Traffic Act to increase fines and introduce demerit points for distracted driving convictions.

"This is wonderful news," said Ralph Palumbo, Ontario's Vice-President, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). "Distractions are a factor in many collisions, and we need to convince people that the practice of texting or using the phone while driving is socially unacceptable and inherently dangerous."

Palumbo added, "We are particularly happy to see the addition of demerit points for distracted driving as this approach has been proven to change driver behavior more than fines alone."

If passed, the proposed Keeping Ontario's Roads Safe Act and supporting amendments to the Highway Traffic Act will make highways and roads safer by:

• Increasing fines for distracted driving from a range of $60 to $500 to a range of $300 to $1,000 and assigning three demerit points upon conviction;
• Increasing fines for drivers for "dooring" cyclists from a range of $60 to $500 to range of $300 to $1,000 and raising the demerit points from two to three;
• Requiring all drivers to maintain a distance of one metre when passing cyclists; and
• Requiring drivers to yield the whole roadway to pedestrians at school crossings and pedestrian crossovers.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)

IBC is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has worked with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes and levies to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release. To schedule an interview, please contact:

Steve Kee
Director, Media & Digital Communications
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4387
416-841-5669
[email protected]