27-05-2025
Distracted driver didn't notice OPP officer next to them on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa: OPP
Ontario Provincial Police stopped a driver for distracted driving on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa on Tuesday. Police say the investigation found the driver was also suspended from driving. (OPP/X)
An Ottawa driver distracted by their cellphone didn't notice an Ontario Provincial Police officer next to them on Highway 417, according to police.
Ontario Provincial Police say a distracted driver was stopped on Hwy. 417 during the morning rush hour on Tuesday.
'The driver was so distracted, they did not notice a fully marked police car next to them,' OPP Const. Michael Fathi said on X.
'Being distracted while driving accounts for the majority of very avoidable collisions that occur during rush hour.'
Police say the investigation revealed the driver was also suspended from driving.
The driver faces a $615 fine, three demerit points, and a three-day driving suspension upon conviction for the cellphone charge. Fathi says the driver also faces a minimum $2,000 fine for driving under suspension.
