Everyone does something while driving that might be distracting themselves from the task at hand.
And though for most people, it doesn’t feel like these simply things like eating or drinking takes their attention off the road, the fact is it only takes a second of distraction to cause a collision.
That’s why the RCMP in the region will be joining with detachments and other police forces around Alberta in targeting distracted driving with extra enforcement this month.
“Most people thing speeding is a factor in most collisions, but distracted driving causes 30 to 40 per cent of collisions,” stated Sgt. Sonny Kim of the Athabasca/Boyle Integrated Traffic Unit.
“The National Safety Association states that distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision and we continue to see quite a bit of it.
“There are still some drivers out there that just don’t get it. Officers have seen people eating cereal out of bowls they’re holding or reading a book or a newspaper while driving.”
The distracted driving law as it stands restricts the activities of drivers by prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile phones, texting, sending emails, using laptops or cameras, playing video games, watching a DVD player, reading, eating, drinking and performing personal grooming.
If police witness any of these actions while someone is driving – which can include being stopped for a traffic light or stop sign – a distracted driving ticket for $172 can be issued.
Kim acknowledged that many times there may not be a ticket for someone having a drink of water or taking a bite of that muffin, but the possibility is there if the actions are creating a hazard to other users of the road.
“And while the law doesn’t specify anything about dogs, having a pet in the front seat or on your lap while driving can be considered a distraction if it interferes with your driving,” explained Kim, who added that should any of these actions under the distracted driving law create a danger for others a driver could face a careless driving charge that carries a $402 and six demerit points.
Suggestions to avoid a ticket include getting all personal grooming done before getting the vehicle, having the radio or CD player pre-set or have a passenger make changes, program the GPS before leaving, keep pets secured in the back seat, leave your cell phone off or keep calls on the hands-free device short and eat or drink before you begin your trip.
“Any of these actions could cost you or someone else their life,” Kim said.
“In the last five years, more issues have come up with distracted driver because of technology and people’s attitude. Everyone wants to be connected and always in a hurry, rushing to get somewhere.
“It’s all distracting and even still, we see some drivers engaging in trying to do two things at once while driving. People need to be smart about things.”
Kim also stated if a driver does need to take a call, find a safe place completely off the road to pull over.
