Distracted driving still a problem, say police

BELLEVILLE – It seems texting while driving is still a problem in our area.

Central Hastings OPP set up shop on Highway 62 near Ashley Street north of the city on Wednesday to conduct traffic enforcement, and in two hours handed out seven charges to drivers distracted by their phones.

“Texting and talking while driving continues to be an issue,” Const. Alana Deubel of the Central Hastings OPP told QNet News.  She noted that there is a $280 fine if you’re caught in the act, and that she continues to hope that will be enough to deter people from the dangerous habit.

In a news release about the incident, Deubel said the OPP ask drivers to “make a conscious decision on the important task of driving.”