Darouze fined for texting and driving
N E WS
A day after broadcasting to the world as he texted and drove while participating in an Ottawa council committee meeting, Coun. George Darouze says he voluntarily gave police a statement and was fined $615.
“Yesterday, I made a poor decision to get behind the wheel of my vehicle during Audit Committee,” Darouze wrote in a letter Wednesday to his family, community and council colleagues.
“Instead of keeping my eyes on the road, I engaged in texting while driving. I realize these actions were in poor judgement, and I'm disappointed in myself for this behaviour. I know some of you are upset with me and I am truly sorry.”
Darouze, who represents Osgoode ward, said he went to the Ottawa police station in Leitrim and provided a statement so police could issue him a $615 fine for distracted driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
As audit committee on Tuesday was discussing an audit on the Lansdowne Park financial scheme in a virtual meeting livestreamed on YouTube, Darouze appeared on camera, from the vantage of the passenger seat, putting on his seat belt and driving. He picked up his mobile phone and typed while driving, at one point using both hands.
“I promise that this will never happen again,” Darouze said in his letter Wednesday. “I want to continue to be an advocate for Safer Roads Ottawa and work with OPS on their Leave the Phone Alone Initiative, and, by requesting and paying this fine, I hope I and others can learn from my experience.
"Osgoode ward is very important to me, and I promise to work as hard as I can to continue to improve this vibrant rural community and to earn the trust of my residents each and every day.
“Again, I apologize for my actions to my community, my family and fellow Council members.”
Darouze is a deputy mayor.