MPP Bas Balkissoon with Mrs. Kanagasabapathy's family at Queen's Park Legislature today. (Handout Picture)
Updated Oct 9, 2013
Today Bas Balkissoon, MPP (Scarborough-Rouge River) introduced a private members’ bill, the Manoranjana Kanagasabapathy Act (Driving with Hand-held Devices Act, 2013), which if passed will amend the Highway Traffic Act to implement stricter fines and penalties for distracted driving.
This amendment was sparked by the recent tragic death of Mrs. Manoranjana Kanagasabapathy, who was killed when the distracted driver of a commercial truck collided with a TTC bus on August 13, 2013 in MPP Balkissoon’s riding.
The Manoranjana Kanagasabapathy Act, that will implement stricter fines and penalties for distracted driving
“The unfortunate reality is that Manoranjana Kanagasabapathy died because of distracted driving, and it’s clear that stricter penalties are required to deter this,” said Balkissoon. “As Ontarians we must stand together to protect other victims and families from this preventable devastation.”
If passed, the Bill would change the Highway Traffic Act by:
- Increasing the penalty to a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $700
- Assigning three demerit points for each offence
Scarborough-Rouge River MPP Bas Balkissoon.
“We know from statistics that when drivers take their eyes off the road for more than 2 seconds, the risk of a crash doubles,” Balkissoon said. “The Manoranjana Kanagasabapathy Bill will help ensure that drivers keep their eyes on the road and make our roads safer.”
Balkissoon hopes this Bill will receive all-party support within the Legislature.
“This bill is about protecting all Ontarians from distracted drivers, so I hope it will receive unanimous support to move it forward”, said Balkissoon. “Road safety measures must go above and beyond partisanship.”
