Tough lesson for distracted driver when car impounded

Laura Anaka was feeling defensive the first time she was pulled over for distracted driving.

Two months later, when she was pulled over again for driving with her cellphone, she felt “guilty and ashamed” as she watched her car get towed.

As part of SGI’S March traffic safety spotlight on distracted driving, the Crown corporation is highlighting the fact that receiving two cellphone tickets in a year results in your vehicle being impounded for a week. Anaka was one of 87 drivers who lost their vehicles for a week in 2018 after getting two cellphone tickets within a year.

Under The Traffic Safety Act, receiving a second $280 cellphone ticket within a year triggers an immediate roadside vehicle impoundment. That means the vehicle is towed from roadside and impounded for seven days, while the owner is stuck with the bill for towing and storage (usually at least $400). It also results in four demerit points under SGI’S Safe Driver Recognition program.

“It’s a law that’s been in place since 2010 and was strengthened in 2017, but it’s something that warrants a reminder,” said Penny Mccune, CEO of the Auto Fund.

In a new SGI awareness video, self-described “reformed distracted driver” Anaka says her first cellphone ticket of the year came while she was driving her three-year-old daughter.

“I had my phone in my hand out of habit,” Anaka says. “Then the lights went on because I wasn’t paying attention.”

Anaka, who works full time, attends university full time, and is the mom of a three-year-old daughter, felt embarrassed and defensive, and she gave “a lot of attitude” to the police officer writing her ticket.

Even though she wasn’t actively using her phone, the officer explained “you cannot touch it.” The law states drivers aren’t allowed to “hold, use, manipulate or view a hand-held electronic device” while operating a motor vehicle.

Anaka’s second infraction came shortly after buying a hot pink cellphone case. Driving with her phone on top of the steering wheel, she saw police lights flash behind her. All she could think was, “Oh my gosh, I did it again.”

Then she had another realization: “This is the same police officer that just stopped me two months prior.”

She was more ashamed than angry the second time. The officer returned quickly and told her they were impounding her vehicle

“I thought it was just going to be another ticket,” Anaka says, adding she had to “bum rides from my friends just to go to the grocery store.”

Now, Anaka says she’s learned her lesson.

“When I’m driving, I don’t have my phone anywhere near me. It’s in my purse. Out of sight, out of mind.”

SGI suggests drivers put their phone in the glove box, a purse or even the trunk. Before driving, put it on “do not disturb” or airplane mode. If you need to use it, pull over to the side of the road.

Drivers are also advised to set music playlists and GPS devices before moving or use voice-activated functions to change songs or get directions.

I had my phone in my hand out of habit. Then the lights went on because I wasn’t paying attention.