Stronger penalties could be on the way for those caught texting and driving. The province is looking to pass a legislation that would have higher fines for distracted driving charges. In Timmins, distracted driving is on the rise. Kate Cantin, the communications coordinator for the police, says the amount of charges laid in 2013 was higher than the two previous years.
Cantin says just having your phone in your hand could earn you a ticket.Â
Cantin also says the safest way to drive is to have your phone out of sight.
In Timmins, distracted driving is an issue, with the numbers increase from 2012 to 2013. In 2013, over 200 charges were laid. In 2012,126 charges were laid, and 147 in 2011.
The new penalties could have fines as high as one-thousand dollars, and three demerit points.
Photo: Kate Cantin with the Timmins Police Service