Using a cellphone while driving proves to be costly

Regina police have been handing out a lot more tickets to drivers who can’t let go of their cellphones, and Chief Evan Bray says it’s thanks to a law that now has more bite.

In the first two months of 2017, police issued 260 cellphone charges. In the same time last year, that number was only 94. Bray said the reason for the increase can be attributed to the provincial government’s decision to change the wording of its distracted driving laws, which went into effect on Jan. 1.

“I think it’s given a little bit more teeth to the legislation, and allowed our officers to enforce this,” Bray said after a meeting of the board of police commissioners on Wednesday.

The cellphone law has expanded from “using” a cellphone while driving to “holding, viewing, using or manipulating.” Bray said it was a positive change for police because the law now clearly states that drivers shouldn’t be interacting with their phone in any way.

Bray said the previous wording meant tickets police issued often would not hold up in court.

“We were having problems getting convictions in court, and that’s frustrating for our officers when they plainly see someone using their cellphone while they’re driving and yet aren’t able to get a conviction,” said Bray.

Bray said officers weren’t directed to enforce the law more after it changed.

Instead, he said police have naturally started issuing more tickets because the province put an end to the ambiguity surrounding the law. In addition to issuing tickets, police started a new operation this month where uniformed members ride City of Regina transit buses to spot distracted drivers. The operation will run to the end of the month, but police plan to continue it periodically throughout the year.

The penalty for breaking the cellphone law is $280 for a first offence. Second and subsequent offences within a one-year period result in a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

With marijuana expected to become legal by Canada Day 2018, police are preparing for the implications that will come with the change. Bray said police are concerned about the implications it will have for impaired driving. Other than training officers to look for signs, Bray said police are limited in their ability to test for impairment caused by marijuana.

Bray said police will also work closely with prosecutors to determine how to handle enforcing the current laws against marijuana leading up to legalization.

Front-line police officers will soon be equipped with the nasal spray Naloxone, which can counter the effects of a fentanyl overdose. If delivered immediately, the spray can be life-saving.

Bray said Regina’s experience with the opioid is not as severe as other drugs such as meth. However, a policy will still be rolled out soon to help keep officers safe when encountering the drug, which can even be dangerous to exposed skin.