Despite a law that bans handheld devices while driving, nearly 400 motorists in Ottawa were charged with distracted driving in July.
The distracted driving law in Ontario was phased in beginning in late October. In February, drivers caught breaking the law were slapped with a $155-fine.
Although there was a three-month grace period, police say many drivers remain unaware.
"It's very dangerous and that's why that law has been put into effect for that reason; the amount of accidents because of that," said Const. Rick Comba, who works in the traffic division.
Ottawa police charged 377 motorists with distracted driving in July. The law covers talking, texting, typing or e-mailing using cellphones, BlackBerrys or handheld entertainment devices.
The law also prohibits drivers from viewing display screens unrelated to driving, such as laptop computers or DVD players. In times of emergency, drivers are still allowed to use their cellphones to call 9-1-1.
Charges across the province
Ottawa police have laid 1,981 distracted driving offences so far this year.
Meanwhile, Ontario Provincial Police recently reported that fewer people were charged with distracted driving offences in June compared to May. Those numbers do not include charges laid by municipal police forces.
On the road, motorists told CTV Ottawa although the law exists, few seem to follow it.
"I'm still amazed at the number of people you see talking while they're driving, especially on the Queensway," said motorist Barry Miller.
"I think it's dangerous and you can see sometimes they're not driving straight, so they should be more careful," added Patricia Isabelle.
Police also targeted speeding and careless driving in July. About 2,800 motorists were caught going over the posted speed limit. Thirty-six of those charges involved drivers going too fast in construction zones.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
