Why experts say cars and phones — hands-free or not — don't mix
Quebec may increase fines for texting and driving to $300 for 1st offence, $600 for 2nd offence
The fine for anyone caught red-handed using their phones behind the wheel could soon get a lot steeper in Quebec, according to Radio-Canada sources.
Right now the fine for texting and driving is $100 for a first offence, and $200 for subsequent offences.
The provincial government may soon increase those fines to $300 and $600, respectively.
Morty's Driving School instructor Oren Preisler says it's a smart move.
"I don't know if you've heard, but we don't have the best reputation around the world for Quebec drivers," he said, pointing to the province's efforts to reshape that culture, and encourage new drivers to be more vigilant.
The Highway Safety Code doesn't just ban texting and driving.
In Quebec, handling your phone at all while driving — even while stopped at a red light — is illegal.
And while using a hands-free device is not illegal, it's also not encouraged.
"Even if their use is authorized, hands-free devices are not a safer option and are not recommended," Quebec's auto insurance board (SAAQ) warns on its website.
Message popping up on screen distracting in itself
Preisler agreed that even if you resist the temptation of touching your phone, it can still be distracting.
"Imagine getting a text and you don't even want to read the text or write back, but you want to maybe read the name that texted you," he said.
"The time that it took you to look down and read that name, and look back up, think about how much area you've covered [if you're travelling at] 50 to 100 km/h."
To avoid any distractions, he recommends drivers put their phone on silent and shut it away in the glove compartment.
"It's not worth the risk. There are so many studies that show it increases your risk [of an accident] by up to 500 times if you're looking down at your phone," Preisler said.
"Unfortunately, I see it way too often these days on the road. it's just not worth it."