By Liam Verster

Policing

30 charges laid in distracted driving crackdown

Nov 14, 2019 | 5:06 PM

Grande Prairie RCMP’s Municipal Traffic Unit conducted a traffic operation on Wednesday, with a focus on distracted driving and seat belt use. During the course of the day, a total 30 charges were laid.

The Unit has conducted similar operations in the past, one in September and another in October. In both those cases, over 20 charges were laid each time.

The RCMP says current research by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation shows distracted driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. The biggest factors in collisions that cause injuries or fatalities are speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and occupants not wearing seat belts.

The penalty for distracted driving is a $287 ticket, as well as three demerit points against your driver’s license. After accumulating more that 15 demerit points in a two year period, or eight for a Novice/GDL driver, the driver’s license will be suspended.

Distracted driving legislation was introduced on September 1, 2011, and between then and March 31, 2018, 97 per cent of distracted driving-related convictions were for using a hand-held electronic device.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

The Grande Prairie RCMP are asking the public to put the phones away when driving, and help create safer roads for everybody in the community.