There is a new provincial police (OPP) initiative aimed at stopping distracted driving in Essex County. (Photo courtesy of OPP)There is a new provincial police (OPP) initiative aimed at stopping distracted driving in Essex County. (Photo courtesy of OPP)
Windsor

Essex County OPP say 'be smart and park the phone'

A new provincial police initiative aimed at stopping distracted driving in Essex County is already paying off.

Provincial police said Operation "Stop Texting and Travel Safely" caught several offenders on local roads on the second day of the enforcement initiative on Tuesday. The OPP said six tickets were issued for distracted driving within a one hour period Tuesday morning.

"If you drive distracted in this county, you will be stopped and you will be ticketed," said OPP officials.

There is a new provincial police (OPP) initiative aimed at stopping distracted driving in Essex County. (Photo courtesy of OPP)There is a new provincial police (OPP) initiative aimed at stopping distracted driving in Essex County. (Photo courtesy of OPP)

There is a new provincial police (OPP) initiative aimed at stopping distracted driving in Essex County. (Photo courtesy of OPP)There is a new provincial police (OPP) initiative aimed at stopping distracted driving in Essex County. (Photo courtesy of OPP)

There is a new provincial police (OPP) initiative aimed at stopping distracted driving in Essex County. (Photo courtesy of OPP)There is a new provincial police (OPP) initiative aimed at stopping distracted driving in Essex County. (Photo courtesy of OPP)

The distracted driving campaign runs for a month and is similar to a 2010 campaign that showed significant reductions in hand-held cell phone use and texting while driving.

"Unmarked vehicles will be used to help curb the urge of drivers that still believe that these deadly habits are acceptable," said police.

Read More Local Stories

(left to right) SPS Deputy Chief Michael Van Sickle and Acting Chief Mike Federico. June 25, 2026. (Photo by Natalia Vega)

SPS turns off comments

SPS Board Chair Kelly Ash said the decision followed discussions with Acting Chief Mike Federico and aligns with practices at other police services.

(File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo Inc. / dehooks)

Scoreboard, June 26

The Toronto Blue Jays dropped their third in a row Thursday, 6-5 to the visiting Texas Rangers, and the Detroit Tigers suffered a 2-1 loss to Houston.