The Canadian government will launch a social media campaign to try to stop the increasing cases of people shining lasers at airplanes, reports Canadian Press. The department of transport warns the lights can cause glare, temporary blindness and distract the pilot putting the flight in jeopardy.
In 2014, there were 502 laser strikes on planes. That was a 43 per cent increase from 2012. There have been 148 incidents from the beginning of 2016 to the end of April.
Possible fine of $10,000 and five years in prison
The government will use social media instead of the more traditional television and radio ad campaigns. Messages will inform the public that pointing a laser at an airplane can be punished with a fine of up to $10,000, five years in prison, or both. However, Canadian Press obtained documents that suggest prosecuting such cases has been difficult.
The campaign will launch tomorrow and will target people living near Canada’s three largest airports in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
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