780 distracted drivers ticketed in four months
Tougher enforcement coming in February, police warn
Edmonton police ticketed nearly 780 people for distracted driving in their first four months enforcing Alberta’s new law.
Almost all of those tickets — 94 per cent — were for inappropriate cellphone use behind the wheel.
Acting Staff Sgt. Barry Maron said motorists can expect to see a crackdown in February on drivers trying to text, groom themselves or eat snacks while they navigate city streets or idle at red lights.
Up until now, Maron said, police were not actively looking for distracted drivers.
If they noticed distracted driving in addition to another offence or an egregious case of inattention, offi- cers would issue a ticket. But they were not specifically looking for multi-tasking drivers.
“We believe it was one of those things that the public needed time to get their head around,” Maron said. “It takes a long time to change your habits. Even myself, four months later, when the phone rings, you feel like you want to answer it.”
Under legislation that came into effect Sept. 1, drivers are prohibited from talking or texting on a handheld cellphone, personal grooming, reading or writing.
Drivers are still allowed to use a cellphone if it is hands-free.
The fine for distracted driving is $172. Revenue from those tickets is split between the city and the province.
From September to December, Edmonton police also issued 884 tickets for careless driving, which carries a $402 fine and six demerit points.
February’s focus on distracted driving will include an enforcement blitz on an undisclosed weekend where all officers on the road will be asked to watch for people flouting the law.
“By and large, most people have figured it out and are trying to change their habits,” Maron said. “There are some people that need a reminder.”
Don Szarko, the Alberta Motor Association’s director of advocacy and community, said his organization estimates about 3,000 distracted driving tickets have been issued across the province since September. The AMA continues to hear from people about the issue.
“We’ve been getting emails and phone calls expressing everything from anger to concern that they’re still seeing people out there driving in a distracted way,” Szarko said. “They’re asking, ‘Why don’t people get that?’”
Szarko said most Albertans support distracted driving legislation and will get behind increased enforcement. “You can’t multi-task while you’re driving, no matter how good you think you are,” he said.
We’ve been getting emails and phone calls expressing everything from anger to concern that they’re still seeing people out there driving in a distracted way. They’re asking, ‘Why don’t people get that?’
Don Szarko, Alberta Motor Association
Alberta Transportation spokeswoman Donnae Schuhltz said it appears most drivers are changing their behaviour. A study conducted on the province’s behalf in October reported that less than one per cent of the drivers observed in the survey were talking on hand-held phones. Previous surveys conducted by Transport Canada showed about 11 per cent of drivers using hand-held phones in 2007 and about five per cent in 2010.
The province will roll out a new public education campaign. “Studies show some drivers revert to their previous driving habits approximately six months after a new law is implemented,” Schuhltz said.
Maron said such drivers can expect unwanted attention from police.
“It’s as simple as seeing someone with a phone up to their ear,” Maron said.
“It’s not as easy as doing speed enforcement or stop sign enforcement, but it is possible.”