During the month of February, the RCMP and the Integrated Traffic Unit in Innisfail will target distracted drivers as part of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).
"Every month, there is a different area that is looked at or concentrated on,î said Cpl. Jay Peden, Olds RCMP.
"In the past, it has been seatbelts or stop signs or intersection-related types of offences.î
The Olds detachment has been receiving an increased number of calls from concerned residents about seeing people drive while using their cellphones.
Drivers should keep their handheld devices from sight or program them in such a way that they can be used without hands.
The distracted driving laws apply to all handheld devices.
"If you pull up to a stoplight or a stop sign, and you are on the phone while you are not driving, that also is still part of the distracted driving laws,î said Peden.
The RCMP reminds people that distracted driving laws apply to drivers on all roadways, unless they are off the highway or legally parked.
"If you are on the highway, and you are pulled over on the shoulder road, that still constitutes you being on the highway,î said Peden.
"Wait until you come to a parking lot.î
The fine for the infraction is $172. However, there are ne demerits.
