Driving Tips

Community Safety Zones

Community Safety Zones are sections of roadways where vulnerable road users are of special concern. As per the Highway Traffic Act, Community Safety Zones are designated by municipal by-law and allows for an increase in penalties for traffic violations. Although the rules of the road do not change within a Community Safety Zone, the intent is the significantly increased penalties for violations will influence motorists’ behaviour to improve safety for all road users.

Community Safety Zones benefit vulnerable road users such as children, seniors, pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized users by:

• Creating a safer environment, particularly in high risk areas such as schools, playgrounds and community centres;
• Encouraging motorists to comply with the posted speed limit by doubling fines, thereby increasing road safety and deterring careless driving and speeding; and
• Potentially reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Community Safety Zone signs are installed to indicate to motorists they are in a designated area where vulnerable road users are likely to be present and penalties for traffic violations are increased.

Community Safety Zone Locations

As of July 12, 2023, Halton Region has designated 19 Community Safety Zones. The designation does not take effect until all the required signs are installed.

Road Safety Action Plan

Halton Region's Comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan (CROSAP) (PDF file) guides regional road safety management.

CROSAP uses 3 approaches to improve safety:

1. engineering
2. education
3. enforcement

Distracted Driving

It is against the law to talk, text or type using handheld communication/entertainment devices and certain display screens while driving in Ontario.

While you are driving, including when stopped in traffic or at a red light, it is illegal to:

• use a phone or other hand-held wireless communication device to text or call – you can only touch a device to call 911 in an emergency
• use a hand-held electronic entertainment device, such as a tablet or portable gaming console
• view display screens unrelated to driving, such as watching a video
• program a GPS device, except by voice commands

Other actions such as adjusting music, grooming, eating or drinking or even reaching for something are not part of Ontario’s distracted driving law. However, doing any of these activities can still result in you being charged with careless or dangerous driving. Any activity that interferes with your ability to focus on the road should be considered a distraction.

Hands-free devices only: it’s the law

The law permits the use of a hands-free wireless communication device that is firmly attached to the vehicle and controlled by voice only. You are allowed to use the device with Bluetooth, an earpiece or headset.

For more about hands-free devices and Ontario’s distracted driving law, visit the Ministry of Transportation’s Distracted Driving – Frequently Asked Questions webpage (external link).

Did you know?

• Distracted driving injures a person every 30 minutes in Ontario.
• Distracted driving kills – more Canadians die as a result of distracted driving than impaired driving, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.
• Distracted driving is most often a major conviction which can seriously affect your insurance policy and premiums. For information about fines and penalties, visit Ontario’s distracted driving webpage (external link).
• Texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event compared with non-distracted drivers.

Tips to avoid distracted driving

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving occurs when driver ability is affected by alcohol or drugs. It is a crime and a major community safety issue.

Impaired drivers could:

• Lose their license
• Get a fine
• Spend time in jail
• Kill or injure someone, even themselves

Have a back-up plan in place

Talk to your family and friends about impaired driving and the choices available when one should not drive. 

Road Safety Resources