The Redford government is considering legislation that would deduct demerit points from Albertans who make phone calls or text while driving.
Currently the only penalty is a $172 fine, but nearly two years after the province’s distracted driving law was first introduced, some people aren’t hanging up.
Transportation Minister Ric McIver says the compliance rate hasn’t been impressive.
“Go to any corner where there’s a traffic signal and look at the people who stop at the red light and see how many people have got their cell phone up to their ear.”
McIver says the province is reviewing what other penalties could be put in place, and while demerit points are one option, seizing vehicles is not.
Calgary police, also frustrated by the lack of compliance, will be launching another crackdown next month.
“Anybody hanging onto a cell phone, look out,” says Cst. Jim Lebedeff. “We’re going to be handing out tickets because unfortunately, even though the education part is out there, we’ll never stop doing it. It’s just so integrated in people’s lives and they’ll take that chance.”
The province has not released a timeline for the completion of its distracted driving review.
Comments