According to the Ontario Provincial Police, distracted driving is likely going to become an even bigger problem on our roads.

Between 2002 and 2011, the Ministry of Transportation is reporting a 39% increase in deaths resulting from inattentive and distracted driving and a 26% spike in injuries as well.

So far in 2014, 31 people have died in collision that were a result of distracted driving on OPP patrolled roads.

In 2013, distracted driving was a factor in more deaths on Ontario roads than either impaired driving or failing to wear a seat belt. According tothe OPP, there were 86 deaths last year as a result of distracted driving, which accounted for one-third of all collision related deaths in 2013.

Current collision trends showthat inattentive and distracted driving will become a more significant factor in traffic fatalities than impaired driving by 2016, according to the MTO.

Since the Ontario government passed the distracted driving law that makes it illegal to use a handheld device behind the wheel, 283, 000 charges have been laid.

Under the current law, a conviction carries a $280 fine. Ontario’s Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca plans to introduce new legislation this fall that will increase the fine and include demerit points.