Alberta’s new distracted driving law is expected to roll out sometime around the middle of 2011 and local police expect to be busy handing out tickets when the time comes.
Legislation on the new law was passed last November with a proposed fine of $172 for anyone caught talking on cellphones, texting, reading, doing makeup or any other activity that could distract a driver from the road.
There is going to be a learning curve, said Cpl. Don Murray, officer in charge of traffic services for the St. Albert RCMP, but he believes people usually catch on. It is during that first little while he expects to be busy.
He said distracted driving is a huge problem, as far as the number of people guilty of it.
“In my personal observation I would say one in eight or one in 10 drivers,” said Murray. “I think the average motorist does realize it is a dangerous activity. Unfortunately, it might take a monetary fine or two to drive that home.”
Mayor Nolan Crouse, one of city council’s supporters of the new law, said looking around at any intersection turns up someone talking or texting behind the wheel.
Texting, said Murray, is even more dangerous as people talking on cellphones usually have their heads up.
“I can tell before I even pull up to see them [up close],” he said. “It’s the same impairment effect as being impaired by alcohol. You can tell when somebody is texting and driving. They display the symptoms of an impaired driver, weaving in lanes.”
In anticipation of the new law, the RCMP in St. Albert have been offering friendly warnings wherever they can.
Crouse said there is nothing wrong with being proactive.
The mayor does not expect the warning or the eventual fines will actually put an end to these bad habits, however.
“You have photo radar, but that doesn’t stop people from speeding,” he said. “There will always be problems — there is always a problem with speeding, there is always a problem with all crimes. You can never eliminate, but you can certainly get a handle on it.”
Donnae Schuhltz, public affairs officer for Alberta Transportation, said this new law will be the most comprehensive of its kind in the country.
“Our message has always been clear — keep your hands on the wheel and keep your eyes on the road,” she said.
While on duty, police, as well as anyone operating an emergency vehicle as defined under the Traffic Safety Act, are exempt from the rules, Schuhltz said.
And that is likely a good thing, said Murray.
“Nobody multi-tasks more than us, but unfortunately it’s a job requirement,” he said. “We have got laptop computers, police radios and cellphones. And when we’re responding to a call, we’re being barraged with information.”
