City urges motorists to avoid distracted and impaired driving

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford, in partnership with the Brant, Brantford and Six Nations Impaired and Distracted Driving Committee, urge residents to drive safely by avoiding distractions and planning a safe ride home. Through an education campaign to remind drivers about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving, the City will provide safe driving tips throughout the summer months.

“On behalf of the Brant, Brantford and Six Nations Impaired and Distracted Driving Committee we look forward to continuing to educate the public through our Just Drive and Arrive Alive campaign,” says Lawrie Palk, Committee Chair. “Impaired driving through the use of alcohol, drugs, and distracted driving is a hazard to everyone's safety.”

The leading cause of deaths from motor vehicle collisions are due to distractions and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These collisions can easily be avoided by turning phones off while driving or making other arrangements to get home safely.  

While driving, including when stopped at a red light, it is illegal to:

• Use a cellular device to text or dial, except to dial 911 in case of emergency
• Use a handheld electronic device such as a tablet or portable gaming console
• View display screens unrelated to driving, such as watching a video
• Program a GPS, except by voice command 

The Brant, Brantford and Six Nations Impaired and Distracted Driving Committee includes members of the public, municipal Councillors, and professionals from police services, paramedics and healthcare. The committee is dedicated to reducing the instances of death or injury related to distracted or impaired driving.

For tips on how to avoid distractions and make safe ride home arrangements, please visit brantford.ca/JustDrive or brantford.ca/ArriveAlive.

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Media Contact:

Kelly Page | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 226-388-0150 | kpage@brantford.ca