Safer roads on the horizon through passing of Bill 31

THORNHILL, ON, June 2, 2015 /CNW/ - Earlier today, Bill 31 also known as the Making Ontario's Roads Safer Act passed third and final reading at Queen's Park.  The legislation addresses a number of road safety issues in the province that our Members have repeatedly defined as high priorities including distracted driving, cycling initiatives, and slow down move over provisions for tow truck operators.

"For many years, CAA has been active advocating at Queen's Park on many of the elements contained in Bill 31. As a tireless advocate for all road users, CAA is pleased to see significant changes to address distracted driving, improve cycling in our province and provide enhanced safety measures for tow truck operators providing service to motorists on Ontario's roads", said Teresa Di Felice, CAA South Central Ontario's Director of Government and Community Relations, and Driver Training.

Distracted Driving
The Bill proposes to increase penalties to between $300 and $1,000, along with applying three demerit points if convicted of distracted driving. The new law also adds distracted driving to the conditions listed through the province's Graduated Licensing System.  New drivers will face an immediate 30-day suspension on first offence.  CAA is pleased about tougher measures to reduce distracted driving in Ontario.

Slow Down Move Over
Slow Down, Move Over has been a long standing advocacy effort by CAA across Canada and with our counterparts to the south in AAA.  Ontario now joins five Canadian provinces and nearly every US State in requiring motorists to slow down, move over upon approaching tow trucks assisting other vehicles.

"Everyone deserves a safe place to work even in non-traditional environments such as the side of the road.  Extending slow down, move over protection will improve safety for both tow truck workers and motorists who are stopped due to mechanical failure, damage or collisions on Ontario's highways and roads", Di Felice added.

Cycling Safety
CAA has been pleased to participate on the Cycling Strategy Working Group that resulted in the release of the CycleON strategy.  Bill 31 makes it safer for cyclists and drivers to share the road, and introduces new measures including permitting cyclists to ride on the paved shoulders of unrestricted highways. 

For more information on our advocacy work related to Bill 31 and other road safety issues please visit www.caasco.com/Community-Action.

As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of more than 2 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]; Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].