An Ontario driving instructor has been fined for the very behavior they are supposed to teach against: distracted driving. The incident serves as a stark reminder that no one is immune to the dangers of using a phone behind the wheel.
Police Catch Instructor in the Act
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers charged a driving instructor for scrolling on a cellphone while operating a vehicle on Moodie Drive in Ottawa. The charge was laid on January 7, 2026. This case highlights the ongoing enforcement efforts by police to combat distracted driving, a leading cause of collisions on Canadian roads.
A Hypocritical and Dangerous Offense
The irony of a driving instructor—a professional tasked with instilling safe habits in new drivers—committing this offense is not lost on authorities or the public. It undermines the core message of driver education and sets a dangerously poor example. Distracted driving, which includes texting, scrolling, or using a handheld device, significantly increases the risk of a crash.
The OPP has consistently warned that a momentary glance at a screen can have lifelong consequences. This incident on a busy Ottawa roadway demonstrates that the temptation remains a serious problem, even for those who should know better.
Legal Repercussions and Broader Message
The instructor faced a substantial fine under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. Penalties for distracted driving are severe and can include:
- Fines of up to $1,000 for a first conviction.
- Three demerit points.
- A possible license suspension.
This enforcement action sends a clear message that distracted driving is unacceptable for all drivers, regardless of their profession or experience level. It also serves as a cautionary tale for all motorists to keep their focus entirely on the road.
Road safety advocates hope this very public citation will reinforce the critical importance of putting phones away while driving, a lesson every instructor should be championing, not violating.
