Photo by Curtis Galbraith

By Curtis Galbraith

Traffic Safety

Distracted drivers, new drivers, the focus for Enforcement Services in August

Aug 9, 2019 | 2:18 PM

Distracted drivers will be one of the things Grande Prairie Enforcement Services will be concentrating on during this month’s Selected Traffic Enforcement Program.

Sergeant Ross Gear says there are studies that show distracted driving is as dangerous as being impaired by several drinks.

“And you can tell. When you come to a stop sign or a stop light, which would be a better example, how many heads go down? You see people looking down to their crotch and then their arms are down there and their reading something or texting.”

Gear says not paying attention when their vehicle stops takes away situational awareness and people cannot see what is around them.

He adds he has seen what he calls “some amazing things” people do while at the wheel of a vehicle.

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“I’ve seen people brushing their hair. applying make-up, reading. I’ve seen a person with a book right in front of their nose and not even looking out the windshield. You know, over the years , right?”

Enforcement Services will also be watching for new drivers. Gear says they are not looking to give new drivers tickets, but want to teach them safe driving habits.

“(When) a new driver gets checked, a lot of times it’s to make sure they have the proper documentation, that they understand the rules and regulations around being a new driver because new drivers have a little bit of different regulations surrounding them.”

Gear adds sometimes , they just want a chance to talk to new drivers.