Forgetfulness is not uncommon, but we all are required to be vigilant on the roads and follow the rules. Also, we may be so programmed to respond to our cell phones that it becomes an almost reflex action.
However, when the rules say follow the road signs, we are required to. When the laws of traffic say we cannot use the phone while driving, we cannot and should not.
Either were one mistake too many for a driver stopped by officers of the East Division of the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) in Clarington yesterday.
Driver stopped at stop sign, but was texting while travelling past stop sign, said the police adding that the incident happened at William Fair and Kenneth Cole Drive in Bowmanville.
The driver received a fine of $615 and three demerit points for using the cellphone, a three-day suspension upon conviction and $280 re-instatement fee for driver’s licence, police said.
Another Failed to Stop
Officers at the same location, stopped and fined another driver, also for not stopping at a stop sign as also for not wearing a seatbelt.
Driver failed to stop at stop sign and failed to wear seat belt. The motorist was fined $110 and given three demerit points for the failure to stop, and another $240 and two demerit points for not wearing the seat belt, police said.
128 Offences During School Week
Meanwhile, officers from the DRPS North Division, last week, were in school zones across Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog.
They carried out visible enforcement and driver education, which resulted in 128 offence notices and 16 cautions.
“Please slow down — kids’ safety comes first,” police said.