Toronto Mayor Criticized For Reading While Driving

Drivers are becoming more and more distracted behind the wheel these days. Although everyone gets sidetracked when they’re piloting their vehicle from time-to-time, most people do their best to ensure the safety of other drivers when they’re on the road. However, when you’re busted for reading a document when you should be paying attention to what’s going on around you, it’s probably best to just own up to the allegations, especially when there’s proof floating around on Twitter.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says he was “probably” reading something when he was cruising down Gardiner Expressway, which is considered by many to be one of the busiest roadways in the city. He should probably drop the “probably” from the admission as the photographic evidence against him tells no lies. Ford is clearly reading in the image, and his actions have irritated local authorities.

CBC News reports that Toronto Police Sargent Tim Burrows took to department’s Facebook page to address the matter.

“Finally, on behalf of all the citizens of Toronto that value road safety, Mr Mayor… please get a driver,” he wrote. “It is obvious that you are busy enough to require one and no amount of money you are saving by not having one is worth the life of one of your citizens.”

When asked about the incident at a news conference on Tuesday, Ford said:

“Yeah, probably, yeah. I’m try[ing] to catch up on my work and you know I keep my eyes on the road, but I’m a busy man.”

When asked if he felt driving while reading was a problem, the mayor became a little testy. He added:

“Well, I’m busy. I got to be — I don’t know what that has to do with a trade mission, but anyways. Ridiculous questions sometimes, seriously.”

Apparently this isn’t the first time Mayor Rob Ford has had some trouble behind the wheel. In addition to passing a streetcar’s rear doors in July of 2011, Ford was also accused of using his phone while piloting his minivan last October.

According to NPR, texting while driving is illegal in Ontario. Is the Toronto mayor above the law, or should he keep his eyes on the road like everyone else?