CALGARY- It’s been over a year since distracted driving legislation come into effect in Alberta, but the police chief says those old habits continue to be a problem in Calgary.
In the first 11 months of 2012, more than 6,000 tickets for distracted driving were handed out in Calgary. The fine is $172, but Chief Rick Hanson says it’s obvious the financial penalties aren’t enough to deter drivers from texting or talking on phones.
He’s now calling for demerit points, so there is the ultimate risk of losing a license.
“We are seeing too many things happen when people are spending too much time staring down when they are driving, as opposed to paying attention to what’s in front of them.”
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Currently the only option police have for extremely serious distracted driving offences is to charge someone with careless driving, which carries a $402 fine and six demerit points.
With files from Nancy Hixt
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