Tips and Aspects to Consider

1. Nature of the Activity

Opportunity for Success

Consider activities that do not single-out participants who make mistakes or who have lower skill levels (for example, elimination games).
Change the target or goal area to allow for a greater degree of success (for example, score some points for landing near target but more points for landing in the target).

Cooperation Versus Competitiveness

Encourage cooperation during activities by promoting teamwork as opposed to individual success (for example, appoint specific roles and skills that will capitalize on individual strengths).
Adapt the activity so that all players must participate in some way in order to win (for example, everyone must touch ball before scoring).
Play two people in one position to promote teamwork and cooperation (for example, allow more than one goaltender at a time).

Inclusion Versus Elimination

Avoid games where participation gradually decreases as those with lower skill levels are eliminated (for example, traditional dodgeball).
Use frequent substitution rather than elimination.

2. Equipment

Balls

Provide a variety of sizes and types of balls that are more easily caught, seen or heard (or, use scarves or bean bags as alternatives). Examples are:
Lighter balls - beach, sponge, yarn;
Larger balls - beach or monster;
Balls with tails - foxtails or ribbons;
Use Brightly coloured balls;

Targets

Use larger targets or goals.
Give participants the option of moving closer to targets without penalty.
Raise or lower the target.

Racquets or Bats

Shorten the handle.
Lighter bats (for example, plastic).
Racquets with larger faces.

3. Rules

Decrease the playing area (for example, court size).
Increase or decrease the time limits on game/activity.
Use more than one ball or puck.
Alter the number of players allowed on court or playing field.
Increase or decrease boundary limitations (for example, allow ball to hit the wall).

Make adaptations during activities that will increase student success, participation and independence and, ultimately, improve physical education and daily physical activity programs for all students.

Adaptations for Rural and Isolated Communities

At times, the lesson plans may suggest activities or applications that may be difficult to implement outdoors in a rural or isolated community. When this is the case, the following adaptations should be considered:

Use Smart Boards to simulate the conditions of an outdoor environment.
Visit a "safety community", if one is available in your area. Safety communities provide small scale simulations of road and general safety scenarios. While there is no comprehensive listing of communities in Ontario, you might visit one of the following sites to learn more and to help you locate one near you:

General Road Safety Information

The information provided in this section reflects the standards, recommendations and information provided by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). You may find additional information by consulting the MTO website www.mto.gov.on.ca/english.

For statistics on specific types of injuries and fatalities, you may consult the Ontario Road Safety Annual Report www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/orsar/orsar06.

1. Pedestrian Safety¹

Cross at marked crosswalks or traffic lights, not in the middle of the block or between parked cars.
Make sure drivers see you before you cross.
Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.
At a traffic light, cross at the beginning of a green light. Do not cross once the "Don't Walk" signal begins to flash, or, once the light has turned to yellow. Never cross on a red light.
Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving driveways.
Wear bright or light-coloured clothing, or, reflective strips when walking in dusk or darkness.

2. Bicycle Safety²

Cycling is a fun, healthy activity and an inexpensive way to get around. To be safe while cycling:

Be equipped
Watch for hazards

Know the rules
Ride responsibly

Always wear an approved helmet
Know and use your signals

Sizing Your Bike

There are many types of bicycles to choose from. Whether you're choosing a touring, road, mountain, or hybrid bicycle, it should fit properly. A proper fit will make it easier to control and comfortable to ride.

When fitting your bicycle, check the following important elements.

Frame Size

Frame sizes vary according to the type of bicycle, but as a general rule, you should be able to stand flat-footed over the top tube (the horizontal tube at the top) with two to five centimetres of space. For a woman's frame, when sitting on the seat and with both the tips of both feet touching the ground, the bottom of the seat should be at least five centimetres above the seat tube (the vertical tube that the seat inserts into).

Seat and Handlebar Height Adjustment

Seat
Positioning your seat properly will help make your pedalling more efficient and reduce strain on your knees. To ensure your seat is at the correct height, sit on the seat with the balls of your feet on the pedals. At the bottom of the pedal stroke, your legs should be almost straight with your knees slightly bent.

Handlebars
In a normal riding position, your weight should be evenly balanced, allowing you to rest your hands lightly on the handlebars. You can adjust the tilt of your seat and the height of your handlebars to achieve a good balance of weight.

Your handlebar stem and seat post must be at least five centimetres into the frame. Both usually have a mark that indicates the maximum extension point. Longer seat posts and stems are available if you need one.

Safety Equipment

Every cyclist needs to know how to determine if their bicycle is unsafe to ride and is in need of repair.

Basic Bicycle Safety Checklist

Bolts and quick release levers

Check that bolts and/or quick release levers on the seat, seat post, handlebar stem and axles are tight.

Headset

Check that it turns freely and doesn't rattle.

Brakes

Check that the nuts on the brakes are tight. Brake pads should not touch the rims unless you are squeezing the brakes. Brake levers should stop at least 2.5 centimetres from the handlebars when the brakes are fully applied.

Axles

Check for loose bearings by shaking the wheel side to side. Make sure quick release levers are clamped tight.

Shift levers

Derailleur levers should move easily only when shifting. A screw or butterfly nut or similar device lets you adjust the movement of some types of shifter levers.

Derailleur movement

On derailleur bikes, shift through the gears to ensure the bike is shifting properly.

Tires

Inflate to the recommended tire pressure shown on the tire.

Spokes

Check for and replace loose, bent or broken spokes.

Wheels

Make sure wheels are centred in the forks and do not touch the brake blocks. Check the rim for side-to-side wobbles and up and down hops by watching the wheel spin past the brakes or frame. More than half a centimetre of wobble is cause for concern.

Coaster Brakes

Check that the bolt holding the brake arm to the frame clip is tight.

Helmet

Make sure that your helmet meets safety standards (for example, Snell, CSA, ANSI, ASTM, BSI, SAA, CPSC) and has not been damaged in a collision.

Safety Equipment³
Helmets

An approved bicycle helmet can greatly reduce the risk of permanent injury or death in the event of a fall or collision.

A helmet works by absorbing the forces of a crash, so if the helmet has been in a collision, it should be replaced even if there is no visible damage.

The best helmet is one that fits properly, is worn correctly and has been manufactured to meet strict safety standards. Look for a safety standards sticker meeting the approval of safety organizations such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Snell, ANSI, ASTM, BSI, CPSC and SAA.

Helmets from other sports such as hockey, baseball, and football are not recommended for cycling. They are designed and tested for different types of impact.

To provide maximum protection, the helmet should fit level and square on your head. It should fit snugly and not slip when you move your head.

In Ontario, it is the law that every cyclist under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet.

To check a proper fit:

There should be two finger widths between your eyebrows and the helmet;
The straps should be flat against the face;
The side straps should meet just below the ear making a V-shape under your ear lobe;
The chin strap should be fastened snugly with enough room to fit one finger between your chin and the strap;
Use the sizing pads, clasp or fitting dial, provided with the helmet to adjust the fit.

Be Seen and Heard⁴

Because bicycles are one of the smallest vehicles on the road, it is important for cyclists to be as visible as possible to other road users at all times.

Lighting

By law, your bicycle must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector when you ride between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise. As well, the law requires white reflective strips on the front forks and red reflective strips on the rear stays.

Clothing

Clothing can improve or reduce visibility. Yellow and white stand out best at night; dark colours are difficult to see. Pedal reflectors and reflective material on wrists, ankles, heels, clothing and helmets help others see you.

Dawn and Dusk

When riding directly into or away from the sun at these times, leave extra room and be ready for sudden stops or swerves by traffic around you. Be particularly alert at intersections and scan carefully.

Be Heard

Bicycles are very quiet vehicles, so it is important to warn other cyclists and pedestrians of your approach. By law, all bikes must have a working bell or horn to announce your approach. At times it is just as effective and more courteous to shout something like "passing on the left" when overtaking other cyclists and pedestrians.

Handling Skills⁵

Hand Signals

Selecting the Right Gear

Handling skills are easier to learn in a low easy gear when your legs can rotate quickly. Fast leg rotation provides better balance, less fatigue and more speed. It also reduces knee strain.

Shifting Gears

The basic rules for gear use are:

Shift into a low, easy gear before you stop;
Use low, easy gears when going up hills. Shift into lower gears before you begin to work too hard;
Use higher, harder gears when you begin to bounce on the seat from pedalling too fast;
On the level, use a gear that gives you fast, easy leg spin (about 70 to 100 revolutions per minute);
Avoid pedalling slowly and pushing hard in your highest gears.

Straight Line Riding

Riding in a straight line is the key to riding safely in traffic. Practise by following a painted line in a parking lot. Try not to move your upper body as you pedal, let your legs do the work.

Shoulder Checking

Shoulder checking involves looking back over your shoulder to see what the traffic behind you is doing. This manoeuvre is vital for making safe turns in traffic. It is also difficult to do without wandering from a straight path. Practise riding in a straight line while checking behind you over both shoulders.

Signalling

Making signals requires being able to ride with only one hand on the handlebars. Because it is very easy to go off course when riding one-handed, practise signalling while riding along a straight line. Keep both hands on the handlebars while actually turning. It's also important to practice shoulder checking before signalling to make turns.

Sequence Practice

Practise shoulder checking before signalling to make turns. Practise shoulder checking, signalling and shoulder checking again before moving, when changing lanes or position within a lane.

Emergency Handling Skills

The first step in collision prevention is to scan the road ahead for potential hazards. Steer clear of debris and holes in the pavement, and learn to anticipate errors by motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. Don't assume they see you. No matter how skilled or careful a rider you are, you will encounter hazards that leave you little time to react.

Braking

Quick stops can be crucial in an emergency. Caution is required when braking quickly to ensure you don't flip over your handlebars.

Keep a space cushion around your bike to ensure you have time to react and stop safely. In wet weather, it takes longer to stop, so be sure to leave more room.

Riding in Traffic⁶

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) defines the bicycle as a vehicle that belongs on the road. Riding on the road means riding with other traffic. This is only safe when all traffic obeys the same rules of the road.

When everyone follows the same rules, actions become more predictable. Drivers can anticipate your moves and plan accordingly. Likewise, you too can anticipate and safely handle other's actions.

Where to Ride

Because bicycles usually travel at a lower speed, there are two rules of the road to which cyclists must pay special attention:

Slower traffic stays right;
lower traffic must give way to faster traffic when safe and practical.

Accordingly, cyclists should ride one meter from the curb or close to the right hand edge of the road when there is no curb, unless they are turning left, going faster than other vehicles or if the lane is too narrow to share.

Check for local regulations that affect where you may cycle in your municipality. Bicycles are prohibited on some provincial highways.

Going Straight Ahead

When going straight ahead, use the right-hand through lane. Stay about one metre from the curb to avoid curb side hazards and ride in a straight line.

Around Parked Vehicles

Ride in a straight line at least one metre away from parked vehicles. Keep to this line even if the vehicles are far apart to avoid continuous swerving.

When riding around parked vehicles, cyclists should watch for motorists and passengers who may open their car door into the cyclists' path.

Road Lanes

The lane you should take depends on your speed relative to other traffic. Slower traffic stays to the right of the curb lane.

Taking a Lane

In urban areas where a curb lane is too narrow to share safely with a motorist, it is legal to take the whole lane by riding in the centre of it. On high-speed roads, it is not safe to take the whole lane. To move left in a lane, shoulder check, signal left then shoulder check again to move to the centre of the lane when it's safe.

Changing Lanes

When changing lanes, remember that vehicles in the other lane have the right-of-way. The person moving into a new lane must always wait for an opening. Always shoulder check, signal, then shoulder check again before changing lanes.

Safety steps for changing lanes:

Shoulder check;
Signal lane change;
Shoulder check again;
Change lanes.

Right Turning Traffic

It is not safe to assume that motorists will check for bicycles when turning right, so cyclists need to take extra caution. It's important to leave a safety cushion of space (one meter between you and the curb, as well as you and the vehicle).

When a motorist is making a right hand turn, cyclists can either stay behind the vehicle or pass on the left, by shoulder checking, signalling, should checking again, then passing on the left. Never pass on the right when a vehicle is turning right.

Safety steps for changing lanes:

Shoulder check;
Signal lane change;
Shoulder check again;
Change lanes.

Intersections

Intersections are where many collisions occur - navigating them safely requires drivers and riders to be alert. Any point where the paths of two vehicles can cross is a potential intersection. Often residential areas contain many mini-intersections where driveways or alleys enter streets. Stay at least one metre from curbs in residential areas so that drivers about to enter the road can see you, and you can see them.

At intersections, it is usually better to move towards the center of the lane before reaching the intersection so that vehicles turning right will stay behind you.

Right-of-Way

Right-of-way determines who goes through an intersection first. Before proceeding into an intersection, give way to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection or approaching the intersection so closely that it would be hazardous for you to proceed.

The following outlines the right-of-way at intersections with and without traffic controls.

Without Traffic Controls

When you approach an intersection without traffic control signals, stop signs or yield signs at the same time as another vehicle, you must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle approaching from the right.

In above illustration, the vehicle on the right goes first.

All-Way Stop

At intersections with all-way stop signs, the first vehicle to come to a complete stop should have the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at an intersection and stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way. Putting your foot on the ground indicates you are stopping and yielding.

Moving Through Traffic Signal Intersections

There are two rules for safely crossing intersections:

Watch for vehicles turning across your path and be prepared to avoid them.
Always watch for traffic signal changes and be prepared to stop if you are not yet in the intersection.

Right Turns

To make a right-hand turn, get to the right-most lane since you must turn one right-hand curbside to the to the other. Shoulder check for overtaking traffic, then signal the turn. Scan the intersection for pedestrians, who have the right-of-way, and wait for them to clear your path. You must also stop for red traffic signals and stop signs before turning.

Keep in mind that cars may move into the bike lane or to the right side of your lane prior to making a right turn. Stay behind or pass on the left. Never pass a right-turning car on the right side.

Safety steps for changing lanes:

Shoulder check;
Signal;
Scan;
Turn when the path is clear.

Left Turns

There are two ways to turn left at an intersection, depending on your cycling skills and the volume and speed of traffic.

Pedestrian Turn

Walk the bike across the pedestrian crosswalk.

Vehicular Turn

This is the most convenient way to turn left except where traffic is so congested that it is difficult to get into position before the turn. Vehicular style turns can be relatively simple on quiet residential streets but they require a higher level of skill on multi-lane roads.

Safety steps for changing lanes:

Shoulder check;
Signal;
Shoulder check again;
Go to centre of th lane and go when it is clear;
Shoulder check; signal and return to right side of the road.

Multi-Lane Left Turns

There are two ways to safely turn left in a multi-lane situation: Moving to a dedicated left turn lane or using multiple left turn lanes. Both require the cyclist to move over lane by lane to get to the appropriate turning position. These manoeuvres can be quite complex and require specific cycling skills.

A cyclist must be able to shoulder check without swerving, judge gaps in traffic, signal intentions to motorists, shoulder check and move decisively and quickly when safe to do so. You can develop these skills by practising on quiet streets first. As you gain confidence and skill you will find it easier to turn left on busier streets.

Dedicated Turn Lane

Move lane by lane to the dedicated turn lane using your lane-changing skills. Wait to turn at the centre of the left turn lane. Go when the oncoming traffic is clear and the traffic signal is green.

Multiple Left Turn Lanes

When more than one left turn lane exists, use your lane-changing skills to move over lane by lane to get to the lane at the extreme left. Take the centre of the lane. If all traffic must turn left and the lane is wide, you may ride on the right side of the lane.

Completing a Left Turn

Always complete your turn into the equivalent of the lane you turned from. Once the turn is complete, use your lane-changing skills to move over lane by lane to the right, as close to the curb as is appropriate for the road conditions.

Safety steps for changing lanes:

Shoulder check;
Signal;
Shoulder check again;
Turn.

Signs and Traffic Signals⁷

	Bicycles are permitted on this road.
	No bicycles permitted on this road.
	Come to a full stop and wait until the intersection is clear before proceeding.
	Yield to traffic in the intersection or close to it. Stop if necessary and go only when the way is clear.
	Roadwork ahead. The speed limit and lanes may be reduced.
	Railway crossing ahead. The sign also shows the angle at which the railway tracks cross the road.
	One-way road. Travel in the direction of arrow.
	These signs indicate diamond lanes for specific types of vehicles, either all the time or during certain hours. They can include buses, taxis, bicycles and vehicles with three or more people.
	Flashing yellow: Slow down and proceed with caution through intersections. Flashing red light: Stop and move through the intersection when it is safe to do so. A flashing, or advance, green light or left-pointing green arrow with a green light, permits you to turn left, go straight ahead or turn right from the proper lane as the oncoming traffic still faces a red light.

Remember, traffic lights do not work during a power failure. If the lights are not working, treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Yield the right-of-way and use caution.

Riding Alonside Trucks and Buses⁸

Blind Spots

Bus and truck drivers have large blind spots which prevent them from seeing passing vehicles, particularly bicycles. It is extremely important to stay out of the blind spots. Trucks and buses are wider than most passenger vehicles and occupy more space on the road - cyclists should never share a lane with them. Always watch for trucks and buses that may make a right-hand turn in front of you.

If you can see the eyes of the driver in their mirror, the driver can see you. Be sure to make eye contact, or, stay well ahead or behind the vehicle.

Trucks and Turning

Cyclists need to take extra care when entering intersections with trucks. Trucks have large blind spots and may not be able to spot cyclists when making right-hand turns. An experienced truck driver will use lane closure (crowd the curb) to shut down the lane to bikes and small vehicles before making a right turn. They then must swing out away from the curb to allow the truck's rear wheels to complete the turn. Not all truck drivers practise this technique, so always take extra care and watch for trucks turning right.

Near intersections, position yourself either in front of, or behind a truck . An experienced cyclist may choose to pass on the left, in the passing lane. If you sit between the curb and a truck at an intersection, you lose the comfort space needed to get out of the way if the truck starts to turn.

Truck Safety Tips

When stopped behind a truck, leave extra room to prevent a "roll-back" collision. When the driver is releasing the clutch, a heavy load can cause the truck to roll back for a moment before it moves forward.
Trucks require a lot of distance to stop. Always ensure there is a large distance between your bike and a truck before you pull in front.
The length of a truck affects the driver's visibility. If you're riding behind a truck, stay far enough back so the driver is better able to see you in the side view mirror.
Ride on the inside section of a bike lane when a truck is near you. If you're sharing the road, ride far enough behind the truck so that you appear in its mirrors.
Bikes tend to wobble at low speed and when starting from a stop. This can contribute to the possibility of the handlebars knocking vehicle beside you. Cyclists should gear down to an easier gear at stops to reduce the wobble effect that comes with trying to get the bike going in a harder gear.
Do not rely on your bell, horn or voice to alert a truck driver to your presence. Respect the driver's limitations and keep a safe distance away.
A passing truck can create a gust of wind powerful enough to throw the most experienced cyclist off balance. The wind gives the sensation of being drawn towards the truck. When you can anticipate a truck coming up on your side, stop pedalling and concentrate on keeping your front wheel straight.

Streetcars

By law, cyclists must pass streetcars on the right. You must stop two metres behind the rear door of a streetcar when it stops and remain there until all passengers have boarded and disembarked and are on the sidewalk. If a safety zone has been designated for the passengers, this law does not apply.

School Buses

When the upper red lights of a stopped school bus are flashing and the flashing stop arm is extended, traffic in both directions must stop. If you are coming from behind the bus, stop at least 20 metres away, and a safe distance when approaching from the opposite direction.

The only exception is if you are on a road divided by a median strip. In this case, only vehicles approaching a school bus from behind must stop.

You may not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the red signal lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is retracted. Failing to stop for a school bus is against the law, and if charged, you could be subject to a fine of $400 to $2,000. This law applies on all roads and to all drivers, including cyclists.

Cycling in Groups

There are a few safety tips to keep in mind when travelling in groups.

Ride in single file on two-lane roads or when traffic is heavy on multi-lane roads.
Keep at least one metre apart from other cyclists in the group and keep several lengths apart when going downhill at high speed.

If you are travelling in a large group, break up into smaller groups of about four to six. Keep about one kilometre between groups to allow traffic to pass.

Obstacles and Road Surfaces⁹

Railway and Streetcar Tracks
Railway and streetcar tracks are very dangerous. Crossing at the wrong angle can cause falls or damage wheels. Remember, tracks are slippery when wet.

Safety steps for Crossing Tracks:

Shoulder check;
Signal;
Shoulder check;
Move left;
Shoulder check, signal, shoulder check;
Cross at right angle.

Always cross the tracks at right angles. If the tracks are at an angle to the road, you may need a full lane to do this. Use hand signals to slow traffic behind you and give you room to cross the tracks safely. Go slowly and stand on the pedals when crossing over particularly bumpy tracks.

If it is too difficult to cross the tracks safely, dismount and walk your bike across.

WWhere tracks run parallel to the direction of vehicle travel, lane changing and left turns become extremely hazardous. Wait for breaks in traffic and cross the tracks at right angles.

Surface Hazards

Surface hazards exist on every street, but they are most common close to the curb, where much of your riding is done. There are many types of hazards that cyclists must watch for.

Holes and depressions, or raised surfaces can buckle wheels or throw the rider. Avoid them with gradual course changes and go through them slowly.

Loose or slippery surfaces can cause you to lose control. Go over them slowly and corner carefully, keeping the bicycle as upright as possible.

Sharp objects can cut or puncture tires, sometimes causing blowouts that result in spills or crashes. Watch for nails, tacks, glass, staples, wire, pins, sharp rocks and sharp pieces of metal.

If you get a flat tire, slow down gently to a stop and walk your bike to avoid ruining the tires and rims.

Riding on Sidewalks and Shared Paths

Sidewalk cycling is very dangerous. Many collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles occur where sidewalks, driveways and parking lot access become unexpected intersections. Make sure you know, and obey, your local by-laws concerning sidewalk riding.

When riding on paths shared by cyclists and walkers, cyclists should:
Ride at a slow speed;
Use your bell or horn to signal your presence when approaching pedestrians from behind;
Be ready to stop and allow pedestrians to cross;
Stop before every intersection and look all ways for cars;
Watch for cars entering or exiting from driveways and laneways;
Walk your bike across a crosswalk (it is illegal to ride across a crosswalk).

Weather Hazards

Wet weather makes roads slippery and cyclists need to take extra caution when riding in wet conditions.

Braking

Most bicycle brakes work poorly in the rain. If you have steel rims, ride slowly and allow extra time for braking. Brake hard only after your brakes start to grab. Aluminium and alloy rims provide the best wet weather braking.

Cornering

You have less traction on wet roads, so corner slowly with little leaning.

Puddles

Avoid puddles if possible, or go through them slowly.

Metal, Paint and Wood

Metal plates, service covers, tracks and painted lines are all very slippery when wet. Slow down and corner carefully on all such surfaces.

Visibility

Visibility can be poor in wet weather. Wear bright outer so that drivers can see you better.

3. Inline Skating and Skateboarding¹⁰

As these modes of transportation do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), the information provided below is based on the standards and recommendations provided by Health Canada.

Where to Skate

On bicycles paths;
On designated roadways;
On sidewalks.

What to Wear

Helmet
There are helmets designed specifically for skateboarding and inline skating. These helmets are safer than bicycle helmets because they provide appropriate protection for the types of impact in these sports. However, a bicycle helmet is better than no helmet.

Wrist Guards
When you fall, try to fall forward. Wrist guards will reduce the risk of injury.

Knee and Elbow Pads
When you fall forward, your hands, your arms and your knees will absorb the impact. Knee pads and elbow pads will reduce the risk of injury.

Visit
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/skates-patin-eng.php
for a downloadable handout on inline skating and skateboarding.

4. Distractions and Road Safety

Many people walk, skate and ride a bicycle while using a personal music device, cell phone or other electronic gadget. These devices become distractions and are a serious threat to road safety. Pedestrians, inline skaters, skateboarders and cyclists become too engaged with them and forget to look for safety hazards. Another serious problem is that cell phones and music devices block the user's hearing. In order to avoid distractions, follow one simple rule:

Pay attention to what is going on around you.

Remove all distractions, including electronic devices when you are travelling.

New Distracted Driving Law Passed April 2009¹¹
April 2009: the Ontario government passed a new law that prohibits the use of hand-held wireless communication devices or hand-held electronic entertainment devices while driving. The use of hands-free devices will still be permitted and you can still use hand-held devices in emergency situations, such as calls to 911. The law also prohibits viewing display screens unrelated to driving such as laptops and DVD players.