Drivers caught driving while distracted, whether that’s texting, talking on a cell phone, grooming or reading a book, will now receive three demerit points along with a fine.
The Government of Alberta announced the addition of demerit points to the penalties for distracted driving Feb. 8, although the new rules went into effect Jan. 1. The fine for distracted driving is $287.
From September 2011 – when Alberta’s distracted driving legislation was enacted, to March 31, 2015 – there had been 87,633 distracted driving convictions province-wide, leading legislators to introduce stiffer penalties.
According to statistics released by the Province, 97 per cent of these convictions were for using a hand-held electronic device while driving.
Research shows distracted driving is a contributing factor in 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions, with distracted drivers being three times more likely to be involved in a collision than drivers who put away their phones and concentrate on the road.
Local law enforcement welcomed the stiffer penalties.
Airdrie RCMP handed out 635 distracted driving tickets in 2015 under the Enhanced Traffic Enforcement Program, according to the bi-annual policing report, which will be presented to City council on Feb. 16. The number of tickets being issued has steadily increased, from 143 in 2013 and 172 in 2014.
“(The addition of demerits) is definitely an incentive to not disobey those laws. I think that on a whole, it will make our streets safer,” said Airdrie RCMP Media Liaison Constable Francine Hennelly.
In making the announcement of the increased penalties during a press conference Feb. 8, Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation said, “Distracted driving can be deadly. By not paying attention for a split second you run the risk of facing fines – or worse, being involved in a collision as a result of being distracted. It’s up to all drivers to keep our roads safe by paying attention to the road and nothing else.”
