Distracted driving focus of SGI’s March traffic safety spotlight

In a report from SGI, between 400 and 600 drivers are fined each month for being on their phones, or being distracted in other ways.

Police across the province will be using a variety of tactics to catch distracted drivers in the act, including surveillance from unmarked vehicles and plainclothes officers on the sidewalks.

“Some people actually say it’s okay for them to text and drive because ‘I’m an experienced driver’ or ‘I’m good at multi-tasking,’” said Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund.

“Sorry, it just doesn’t work that way. If you text and drive, you are 23 times more likely to be in a collision. Police know how big a problem distracted driving is and have significantly upped their efforts when it comes to catching drivers. It isn’t a matter of if you’ll be caught – it’s a matter of when.”

The report confirms that if you’re caught using, viewing, holding or manipulating a cell phone while driving, you will be facing a hefty fine of $280.00. This includes the time stopped at a red light.

Cell phones are not the only concern. Additionally, you may also be fined for distracted driving, which can include things like eating, reading, grooming, adjusting the radio and tending to children or pets.

Not only are you faced with a $280 fine, you will also lose four Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) points. Each point lost will cost you $50.00, resulting in additional financial penalties or a loss of insurance discounts.

SGI warns that if you receive a second cell phone ticket within a year, your vehicle will be seized for one-week, leaving you responsible for the bill for towing and storage costs. This happened 37 times in 2017.

In 2016, 42 people in Saskatchewan were killed in collisions where distracted driving was a factor, and more than 1,200 were injured.

SGI reports that although the 2017 stats have yet to be established, if you look around in traffic, it’s clear there are still too many people who have yet to get the message.

Experienced drivers can only use a cellphone if it’s mounted to their visor or dash and is able to use a voice-activated or one-touch function. This does not apply to learner or novice drivers.

SGI encourages you to focus on the road and be part of the movement by following these tips:

• Don’t use your cell phone, even at a red light – the law applies whenever you’re in control of a vehicle on a public road.
• Engage the “do not disturb while driving” feature – so those trying to reach you know you’re behind the wheel and can’t get back to them.
• Put the phone away – out of sight, out of mind. Silence your phone and put it out of reach.
• Delegate the distraction – let your passenger reply to messages and operate the radio and GPS.
• Call out friends and family – if you see them using a cellphone behind the wheel, speak up! It may save their life.
• #JustDrive – limit other distractions like eating and grooming.