CALGARY – Alberta’s new distracted driving law comes into force today.
The new law includes texting, checking e-mail, talking on your cell phone, reading a novel, brushing your teeth, and even entering information on your GPS.
Anyone caught doing those things while driving could face a fine of $172.
Talking on a cell phone is allowed as long as it’s a hands-free model, and is activated by voice command or a single touch.
Don Szarko with the Alberta Motor Association points out the law also applies to cyclists, although bike couriers are allowed to use their walkie-talkies.
Calgary father Robert Maitland is pleased to see the law come into effect in Alberta.
He lost his 18-year-old son Brandon on Springbank Road in 2010. Brandon took his eyes off the road for just a moment while he reached for an iPod. The Volvo he was driving in rolled several times.
Calgary Police spent the morning patrolling for offenders. It didn’t take them long to find drivers not paying attention.
Cst. Chad Rabichuk nabbed a few drivers on Deerfoot Trail talking on their cell phone. Since he was feeling generous he let them off with a warning.
“It is discretionary upon the officer what they’re going to do with the driver. If I see someone that is affecting other drivers on the roadway and they don’t have care and attention and respect for the other drivers than I will give them a ticket for that.”
Drivers caught texting and driving weren’t as lucky. They were slapped with the $172 fine.
It’s unknown how many tickets have been handed out for distracted driving already.
Police say a good snap shot will come in about a month’s time.
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