Brokers are applauding the increased penalties for distracted driving in Ontario, but feel that even the increased level of fines and demerits don’t go far enough.

“The increased penalty for distracted driving for texting or talking on hand held devices does not go far enough!” commented Linda Sparr this week, on the article Waited too long for crackdown, says broker. “It should be considered a criminal offense up there with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Maybe then people will understand how serious it is.”

Her comments were echoed those of Greg Shields, who felt it was long overdue for the treatment of distracted driving to match that of impaired driving.

“We waited too long to recognize the impact of impaired driving,” said Shields, “and it (impaired driving) caused life-long misery to thousands of people that was avoidable.”

Look in Monday’s newsletter for Greg Shields’ article ‘Time to target bad behaviour.’

“Those who talk or text while driving make a conscious decision to so without regard to the possible ramifications to themselves or others,” said Sparr. “Injuries or deaths caused by texting or talking are senseless, and avoidable. Society cannot tolerate this. Let's make our roads safer for everyone.”