The charge for careless driving is Highway Traffic Act section 130(1), which reads:

"130(1) Every person who drives a vehicle or streetcar on a highway is guilty of driving carelessly without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway. 2017, c. 26, Sched. 4, s. 17."

The fines and penalties for basic careless driving in Ontario can include:

• Fines between $400 and $2000
• Up to 6 months in jail
• 2-year licence suspension
• Six demerit points

Conversely, criminal negligence and dangerous driving are serious offences that can result in a driver's imprisonment for 2-10 years.

If someone has been injured or died as a result of someone else's careless driving, the possible penalties if convicted can be stricter:

• A fine between $2,000 and $50,000
• Imprisonment for a term of not more than two years
• Both a fine and a prison term
• Driver's licence or permit may be suspended for a period of up to five years
• Six demerit points added to your driving record
• Higher insurance rates

Six demerit points will be added if you are convicted of:

• Careless driving
• Racing
• Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/hour or more
• Failing to stop for a school bus

A conviction for Careless Driving as a Part 1 Traffic Ticket might yield a fine of $490.00 and 6 demerit points, as well as your insurance company hiking your premiums. Suppose you are convicted of the same charge under a Part III offence. In that case, your fine will range from $400 to $2000, plus surcharges, bringing the range typically between $490 and $2505, plus six demerit points.

Ontario's traffic statistics show that, on average, a distracted-driving collision injures a person every 30 minutes. Mobile phone use while driving increases the likelihood of an accident fourfold. Following an accident of this kind, police charges will likely be for careless driving, dangerous driving, or criminal negligence.

Poor driving decision-making can significantly affect the driver and other road users.

Here are some of the potential consequences of poor decision-making while driving:

Collisions: Poor driving decision-making can increase the risk of collisions on the road. Drivers distracted by their phones or speeding may be more likely to collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Injuries and fatalities: Collisions resulting from poor decision-making can lead to severe injuries and fatalities for drivers and other road users. Poor decision-making can sometimes have tragic consequences that impact many people's lives.

Legal consequences: Poor driving decision-making can lead to legal consequences, such as fines, demerit points, and licence suspensions. In more severe cases, drivers may face criminal charges and potential imprisonment.

Property damage: Collisions resulting from poor decision-making can also result in significant property damage, such as damage to vehicles or other property near the collision scene.

Psychological trauma: Poor decision-making while driving can also result in psychological trauma for drivers and other road users. The aftermath of a collision can be traumatic for those involved. It can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being.

The consequences of poor decision-making while driving can be severe and far-reaching. Drivers who make irresponsible decisions on the road put themselves and other road users at risk and may face legal and personal consequences. By making informed decisions about their driving behaviour and prioritizing safety on the road, drivers can help reduce the risk of collisions and create a more positive and responsible driving culture.