More drivers are getting caught using gadgets behind the wheel, despite laws against distracted driving.
The results of Toronto police's seven-day blitz "Last Call: What ever you have to say can wait" shows an increase in drivers getting caught using phones and other devices behind the wheel.
Police laid a total of 2,564 charges during their campaign that wrapped up on Sunday, a substantial increase from 2010.
Compared to a similar blitz last year, police laid 20 per cent more charges for a display screen visible to the driver, 67 per cent more charges for using a hand held communication device, 21 per cent more charges for using a hand held entertainment device and 114 per cent more charges for careless driving.
Traffic Services Sgt. Tim Burrows says one of the reasons behind a rise in charges is that there was a three month education campaign before the legislation was first enforced.
"I think we probably had a lot of people on their toes, ready and educated about the new law," Burrows says.
Although many drivers have adopted hands-free Bluetooth headsets or wired headsets, motorists are still distracted behind the wheel, posing a threat to themselves and others.
Burrows says drivers talking on their cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash.
"We need people to be 100 per cent in control of that vehicle," he says.
