By Shaun Penner

Selected Traffic Enforcement

Enforcement Services continuing targeting of distracted driving with February STEP

Feb 4, 2020 | 1:26 PM

Enforcement Services in Grande Prairie is carrying on the fight against distracted driving, making it the focus of February’s Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).

Following Grande Prairie RCMP’s recent enforcement operations targeting cell phone use and other forms of distracted driving, Enforcement Services will be continuing the fight against the issue.

“Distracted driving, still, is an issue not only in Grande Prairie, but in Alberta and Canada, and North America. It’s an issue everywhere,” said Sgt. Ross Gear with Enforcement Services. “We really want to get that message across that studies have shown that it is very dangerous to be distracted while you are operating a motor vehicle.”

What exactly defines operating a motor vehicle can lead to a misconception of the law against distracted driving, according to Gear.

“Operating a motor vehicle also includes when you’re stopped at a stop sign or a red light, or in a lineup. You’re still operating that motor vehicle as long as that vehicle is able to move forward,” said Gear. “So, please, if you’re going to use a device, pull over and find a safe place to park.”

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

Though stats from the RCMP say that between when distracted driving legislation was introduced on September 1, 2011, and March of 2018, 97 per cent of distracted driving convictions have been for using a cell phone, the law expands well beyond that.

Some other activities considered distracted driving include:

• Entering information on your GPS Unit
• Reading printed material
• Writing
• Personal grooming, such as shaving, applying makeup or brushing your teeth

Those activities are just some which you can perform where officers may deem you to be distracted while driving. Gear says any activity they deem to be distracting to a driver can lead to a fine under the Traffic Safety Act.

The fine for such infractions is $287 and three demerit points. 15 demerit points within a two-year span can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license.