WINNIPEG – If you pick up your phone behind the wheel, Constable Curtis Benzick is looking for you.
“I equate giving cell tickets to fishing or hunting,” he said. “You are fishing for these people to be on their phones.”
Benzick hopes the stiffer penalties introduced in Manitoba on Canada Day will make a difference, but he spotted several drivers breaking the law during a shift on July 2.
Drivers caught using a cell phone face a $203 fine and five demerits which can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars in higher insurance premiums and licensing costs.
“I need to see them actually holding their telephone in their hand,” Benzick said. “It doesn’t have to be on, it doesn’t have to be lit, they don’t have to be looking at it, it just has to be in their hand.”
Global News went along with Benzick on a shift Thursday to see how frequently drivers are pulling out their phones.
“He has no idea we are beside him watching him,” he said, watching a young man look down on his cell phone on McPhillips Street. When he was pulled over the driver told Benzick he didn’t know why he was being stopped.
The driver later admitted he was on his phone texting someone.
Benzick says drivers are getting more creative when it comes to hiding their cell use. That just means he has to be just as creative.
He will use motorcycles, pedal bikes, unmarked police vehicles and even walk the sidewalk in plain clothes.
There is also a skywalk in downtown Winnipeg he will use and radio down to police officers on the street.
Winnipeg police say in June officers handed out 315 tickets for cell phone use.
Benzick has heard all kinds of reasons from drivers.
He says the most common one is the person was just checking the time.
“The most ridiculous excuse was i am not using my phone i was check the internet for recipes to make my husband for dinner,” Benzick said.
During the ride-along with Global News, one driver said he was on the phone with his bank.
“Instead of pulling over I was on the phone,” said Brett Lucas, who was pulled over.
He said the experience is enough for him to put the phone away.
“I know the demerits went up and this happening to me is awakening,” said Lucas.
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