The Ontario Government Puts Its Money Where Its Mouth Is!

The Ontario government, specifically the Ministry of Transportation, is putting its money behind distracted driving with a new campaign million dollar campaign to show distracted drivers what happens when they engage in a distracted behaviour. Asking drivers to “put down the phone”, the Ontario government hopes their videos show drivers what happens when they engage in distracted behaviour while they drive.

The province of Ontario and many other provinces across Canada continue to struggle with drivers who despite increased fines and demerit points continue to drive distracted. In its latest attempt to educate drivers about the perils of distracted driving, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation has released its first video in a new advertising campaign designed to stop distracted driving.

Startling Video Shows Consequences of Distracted Driving

The video shows a young driver checking his phone while he is driving and crosses an intersection. The video is jolting and illustrates the consequences of using the phone while driving. The MTO does not apologize for the graphic nature of the video. The video clearly indicates the reality of driving and using your phone and what can easily happen in a matter of seconds.

Ontario statistics show that distracted driving collisions and resulting fatalities continue to be the leading cause of death on Ontario’s roadways. According to the OPP, sixty-nine people died in crashes last year where distracted driving was linked to the collision. More startling however is that every thirty minutes someone is injured in a collision that involves distracted driving behaviour.

The campaign is designed to target drivers age 16 to 24. Ontario’s statistics show that one-third of drivers under the age of thirty is involved in collisions attributed to distracted driving behaviour. The MTO has committed to showing the campaign on a variety of media forms, including television, movie theatres and social media and music streaming channels. Young Drivers would like to congratulate the MTO on a campaign well done. Let’s hope drivers of all ages get the message! Young Drivers would like to congratulate the MTO on a campaign well done. Let’s hope drivers of all ages get the message!