Drivers caught driving while distracted, whether that’s texting, talking on a cell phone, grooming or reading a book, 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 at a press conference on 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.
Ninety-seven per cent of these convictions were for using a hand-held electronic device while driving, such as a cell phone or tablet. During 2014/2015, male drivers accounted for two-thirds of all convictions. Gender does matter, it seems as young male drivers, age 22 to 34, typically have the highest conviction rates.
Local law enforcement welcomed the stiffer penalties. The Cochrane Integrated Traffic Unit handed out 497 distracted driving tickets in 2015.
“(We’re) always very hopeful that (the addition of demerits) will help,” said Cochrane RCMP Media Liaison Constable Jennifer Brewer. “It’s a very serious issue nowadays.
“People aren’t paying attention and serious collisions do occur when you’re not paying attention to the road and so with that threat of demerits one would hope that it would make a difference and people would be more cognizant of what they’re doing when they are behind the wheel.”
In making the announcement of the increased penalties during a press conference on 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.”
