Put down your hand-held cellphone, leave your iPod alone, stop texting and put your make-up away. Most of all keep your eyes focused on the road.
Alberta's new distracted driving law came into effect last week (Sept. 1). It is being hailed as the strictest law of its kind in Canada. The fine for the new offence is $172.
But Olds RCMP say they are not going to be heavy-handed with enforcement to drivers, at least for the next few weeks while everyone becomes thoroughly acquainted with the new legislation.
“It will be handled case by case. Discretion will come into play,” said Olds RCMP Cpl. Jay Peden. “We are going to take the educational approach. It's a new law and people's habits are not going to change overnight.
“In the end it is all about the public safety aspect,” he added. “This legislation covers everything off but it's just common sense.”
The new law restricts drivers from using hand-held cellphones, texting or e-mailing, using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming. It also prohibits drivers from using portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players), entering information on GPS units, reading printed materials in the vehicle, writing, printing or sketching, and personal grooming.
The legislation complements the current driving without due care and attention legislation. It applies to all vehicles as defined by the Traffic Safety Act, including bicycles. The law covers all roads in both urban and rural areas of the province. There will be no demerit points recorded against drivers who violate the new law.
Meanwhile, the following activities are not specifically restricted under the law:
using a cellphone in hands-free mode - this means the device is not held in the driver's hand and is activated by voice or a single touch to the device
using an earphone — if it is used in a hands-free or voice-activated manner
drinking beverages, such as coffee, water or pop
eating a snack
smoking
talking with passengers
listening to a portable audio player – as long as it is set up before you begin driving
using the following:
a GPS navigation system – as long as the system is affixed to the vehicle and programmed before you begin driving or the system is voice activated. You cannot hold the unit or manually enter information while driving
a collision avoidance system
a gauge, instrument, device or system that provides information about the vehicle's systems or the vehicle's location
a dispatch system for transporting passengers
a logistical transportation tracking system that tracks vehicle location, driver status or the delivery of goods for commercial purposes
calling emergency services, such as 911 with a hand-held cellphone
using 2-way radios or hand-held radios, such as those commonly referred to as CB (citizen's band) radios, when escorting oversized vehicles, to contact one's employer, or when participating in search, rescue and emergency management situations.
For more information on Alberta's new distracted driving law visit http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/distracteddriving.htm
