Demerits to be added for talking and texting while driving

Manitoba drivers caught using a handheld device while driving will lose more than a couple of hundred bucks.

The Selinger government signaled Tuesday it plans to also add license demerits to the penalty for talking and texting behind the wheel. The current fine is $199.80. Demerits would cost drivers more in insurance premiums and could result in a loss of driving privileges.

“We’ve seen a growing number of driving while distracted, using cell phones and texting since we brought the law in and its continued to grow every year, ” said Premier Greg Selinger. “A demerit has a long term impact on your ability to drive. If you get too many demerits, your license can be up for review and this sends a serious message that this is a behavior that’s extremely dangerous.”

Manitoba banned talking and texting while driving almost three years ago.

Premier Selinger said the penalty will likely be 3 or 4 demerits, similar to other provinces with this system.

Manitoba would be the seventh Canadian province to introduce a demerit system for this type of offence.

The Canadian Automobile Association applauded the move.

“CAA Members have consistently identified distracted driving as the number one road safety concern,” said Mike Mager, President and CEO for CAA Manitoba, in a news release Tuesday. “But after almost three years since the new talking and texting law came into effect, they say that motorists’ habits haven’t changed much.”

There was a similar response from the Winnipeg Police Service who agrees that any move that encourages drivers to focus on the road is a good one.

“We support any type of legislation that would potentially make people think twice,” said Constable Jason Michalyshen. “Distracted driving has been a significant problem. We know of many reports of incidents where people have lost their lives.”

Provincial officials say the plan requires only a change in regulations that can be made quickly by cabinet. The demerit system is expected to be in place this spring.