The Alberta RCMP wants to remind motorists of the potential dangers that come with distracted driving. Operating a vehicle on roads across Alberta, especially with the already dangerous conditions right now, requires your full attention.
Last year, the Alberta RCMP charged 3,942 drivers with distracted driving. Each charge is $300 and the loss of three demerit points. The RCMP wants to remind the public to remember these tips while driving:
- If it impairs your driving – it’s a distraction. Distracted driving is not limited to texting or talking on a handheld device while operating a vehicle — it also includes personal grooming, reading, writing, adjusting GPS or audio devices, attending to passengers or pets, and any other activity that might impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Plan ahead. Before putting your vehicle in drive, prepare by pre-setting your hands-free device, GPS, radio or music.
- Pull over and put it in park. If you need to text, make a call, or engage in any distracting activity, pull over where it is safe and park your vehicle. Simply stopping at a red light is not safe and is still considered distracted driving.
- Distracted driving isn’t worth it. The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $300 fine and three demerit points. The bigger price you pay is risking your own safety and the safety of others.
Although it may seem harmless to switch a song, read a text, or turn your volume up — if your attention is diverted it could result in life-altering consequences.
