Staying Focused: Full Compliance with Distracted Driver Laws

The implementation of the recent Distracted Driver Law in Ontario has caught the attention of drivers across the province. With a three month educational period in effect, drivers will be expected to conform to the newly legislated ban on cell phones, Blackberries and various other communication devices. Special effort is being taken to ensure that drivers have their hands free and eyes focused on the road.

For the trucking industry, the Distracted Driver Law has a significant impact on daily on-road fleet operations. Regulations mandate that hand-held push-to-talk devices are not permissible unless secured or mounted to the vehicle and must only require one press of a button to activate, and one press to deactivate, the device. Of greater controversy is the ban on commonly used portable radios and CB’s; a three year exemption period is in place, serving as a phase-out plan to allow time for the development of other hands-free, two-way communication alternatives.

Permanent exemptions, however, are positioned for satellite, navigation, collision avoidance and other fleet management systems used for viewing logistical information on a display. With Shaw Tracking’s full suite of products, fleets can rest assured that they are fully aligned with the new legislation, and will remain compliant into the future.

Our technology features built-in capabilities to ensure the driver’s safety:

• Text-to-voice accessibility
• One-touch, easily secured remote control devices
• Screen-blanking of mounted displays when vehicle is in motion

Shaw Tracking is committed to developing solutions to ensure continued on-road safety. For more information on any of our products, please call 1-800-478-9511. We look forward to working with you in the future.

On behalf of everyone at Shaw Tracking, Happy Holidays and Safe Trucking!

Best Regards,
Mike Ham, Vice President, Business Services