Police in Lennox and Addington counties in Canada have issued citations to 18 drivers who used their cell phones to record a serious traffic accident on Highway 401. The incident occurred in late August on the highway east of Belleville. A truck and a tanker were involved in the accident, which caused large crowds and traffic jams.
Curiosity instead of careful driving
While officers were on the ground to secure the scene of the accident, they faced an additional challenge. A large number of drivers focused their attention on filming the accident, instead of the traffic. They were using their mobile phones to film the accident while passing by the scene of the accident, which qualifies as using a phone while driving. According to the police report, 18 drivers were caught in this violation, including two transport truck drivers.
All received fines of $615 for using cell phones, which is not only prohibited by law, but also extremely dangerous, especially in the immediate vicinity of a traffic accident.
Dangers of distraction while driving
The police used this incident to remind drivers of the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. Drivers are responsible for the careful and safe operation of their vehicles, especially near the scene of accidents where emergency conditions are already present. Distraction while driving increases the risk of additional accidents and further burdens emergency services on the ground.
The local police posted a picture of the issued fines on their social accounts.
“Focus on the road,” said the police. “Your attention while driving helps keep emergency workers safe while doing their jobs.”
