Drivers may want to think twice before texting while they are behind the wheel as Alberta RCMP crack down on distracted driving this month.
Although Bill 16, Alberta’s distracted driving legislation, isn’t law yet, RCMP are stepping up their efforts to combat troublesome driving behaviours during the month of February, said Cpl. Tim Croft of Strathmore RCMP’s Integrated Traffic Unit.
“The message is, when you’re driving, pay attention to your driving,” Croft said. “Even at 60 kilometers an hour, your car is probably traveling three or four meters every second. Taking your eyes off the road for even a fraction of a second can end in some really dire consequences.”
Distracted driving behaviours include eating, texting, using a cell phone, applying makeup, having a pet on your lap, using an electronic device like a laptop or camera, entering information on a GPS device, writing, reading, or personal grooming while operating a motor vehicle.
While distracted driving does fall under “careless driving,” which is illegal, Croft said the RCMP’s efforts this month will be confined mostly to issuing warnings.
“Right now, the person will be stopped and will be told, ‘You know what, you can’t be doing this,’” Croft said. “But four months from now, it’ll be, ‘Here’s your $172 ticket.’”
It is expected the Alberta Government will roll out Bill 16, the most comprehensive distracted driving legislation of any province in Canada, by June or July, Croft said. In other provinces, similar legislation has been more specific in targeting only cell phone or use of electronic devices behind the wheel.
When the legislation is put into effect in Alberta, the proposed fine for the offence is $172. There will be no demerit points issued to offenders under the new legislation.
At the moment, drivers caught using a cell phone or performing another distracting activity can still be fined for “careless driving.” However, Croft said it is more difficult to prosecute an offender as the legislation comes with a stricter criterion.
“Careless driving comes with six demerit points and a $402 ticket. It’s a big deal,” Croft said. “Normally, the Crown is a little weary to prosecute those types of behaviours (as carelessness).”
Bill 16 will allow police more flexibility to fine drivers for a greater variety of distracted driving behaviours, he said.
“In June, the fact that you are simply texting will be enough to earn you a ticket,” he said.
However, just because distracted driving is not yet illegal doesn’t mean it is a safe practice, Croft added.
“I’ve stopped people who I thought were drunk, and it turns out they’re talking on their phone or dropped their burger and were reaching over to pick it up,” Croft said of the seriousness of these types of behaviours.
February’s distracted driving initiative is part of RCMP’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Plan (STEP), which sees traffic enforcement officers devoting each month of the year to promoting a different area of safe driving.
STEP aims to promote traffic safety and prevent serious and dangerous traffic infractions. In other months, the focus has been on impaired driving or seatbelts.
“The ultimate goal is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our highways,” Croft said.
