Phoning, texting while driving continues

Thousands of Toronto motorists continue to break the new law banning the use of handheld cellphones and text-messaging while driving, police say.

The ban became an Ontario law one month ago Thursday.

OPP and Toronto police say they are on the lookout for anyone breaking the law, and so far, they have issued thousands of warnings.

Studies suggest a driver with a cellphone in hand is four times more likely to crash, especially while texting or dialling.

In Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, fines have already been issued to drivers who violated the bans in those provinces.

In Ontario, drivers have two months to stop using handheld cellphones while driving or face stiff fines, Toronto police Const. Hugh Smith said.

As of Feb. 1, 2010, police will start issuing tickets: up to $500 to anyone caught with a cellphone in hand while driving.

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