There was a lot of action this year in Ontario’s traffic news and in celebration of year’s end, we thought it might be a good idea to recap major events. If you’ve missed any of the stories and they interest you, this is your chance to get caught up. Just follow the link to read the full news coverage.

January 20, 2008: New Ontario Holiday, a Legal Loophole? Speeders and other traffic violators had the opportunity to exploit Dalton McGuinty’s hasty new ‘Family Day’ holiday.

February 29, 2008: Should Winter Tires be the Law? Ontario was contemplating following Quebec’s lead in passing legislation for mandatory winter tire use. So far this law has not been passed in Ontario but it’s interesting to note that the Quebec winter tire law has caused a shortage of winter tires for the rest of Canada!

March 14, 2008: Ontario Regulates Paralegals: Understanding Bill 14. A very important highlight if you’re on this blog and looking for good legal representation. Ontario paralegals must now be licensed in order to help you with your legal troubles.

March 21, 2008: Does Ontario’s New Street-racing Law Violate the Charter of Rights? Ontario passes a new controversial law targeting street-racers, netting the government millions in fines within the first month to keep the streets clear of drivers going 50km/h and over.

April 5, 2008: Understanding Bill 203: Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario. This post breaks down this aggressive bill into its 3 constituents for easier understanding: street-racing, flashing lights, and drinking and driving.

May 30, 2008: Garbage Truck Nabbed for “Street-Racing”. Fueling the flames for the controversy surrounding the new street-racing legislation, the driver of a garbage truck was an unlikely street-racer caught in the act, along with an 85-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl who were also charged for `racing’ earlier this year.

June 6, 2008: Two OPP Officers Charged Going 50 Over Speed Limit. Unlikely suspects or victims of this anti-racing legislation?

June 27, 2008: X-Copper Gone Bankrupt? News that May Affect your Driving Record. This was an unfortunate occurrence for many X-Copper clients who were left with no legal representation or reimbursement.

July 4, 2008: Ontario Bans Smoking in Vehicles with Children. Another controversial law which was passed in order to protect the health and welfare of children, but that may also infringe upon constitutional liberties of Ontarians.

August 29, 2008: Stiff Ontario Traffic Laws Working? 30% Decrease in Fatalities. Ontario’s new strict measures against speeding seem to be garnering positive results that even the critics cannot ignore. However, the critics do have a few possible alternative reasons for the significant decrease in traffic fatalities.

September 12, 2008: Toronto Tries Out the Pedestrian Scramble. In an effort to put pedestrians before drivers, Toronto follows the lead of a few other cities, implementing a four-way-crossing-at-once for pedestrians at one major intersection.

October 3, 2008: Ontario Traffic Ticket Cash Cow Debate Still Rages. A post that reports the latest news and views on the anti-racing legislation passed earlier this year.

October 31, 2008: Ontario Proposes Cell Ban Legislation. Another controversial bill that will most likely be passed before the year ends, where it will be against the law to use cell phones while driving.

That wraps up the year in review, Legal Action Readers. Even though we would love to see you here at Legal Action, it’s in your best interest that you avoid the headache of dealing with traffic violations.

Here are a few tips that you can take away from this year’s traffic news:

  1. Buy and use winter tires – before Quebec gets them all!
  2. Don’t speed. Especially 50km/h and over!
  3. Don’t drink and drive.
  4. Don’t do drugs and drive.
  5. Drive assertively, not aggressively.
  6. Obey traffic lights and signs.
  7. Don’t smoke cigarettes in your car with your children.
  8. Don’t use a hand-held electronic device while driving.

BONUS TIP: Contact Legal Action, a licensed paralegal firm, if you do happen to find yourself in a traffic jam.