By Justin Dionne

Enforcement Services highlighting distracted driving and disabled parking in February

Feb 6, 2019 | 4:30 AM

Throughout February, Enforcement Services is focusing on distracted driving as part of its Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) and disabled parking spots will be put in the spotlight with its Bylaw Enforcement Education Program (BEEP).

Sergeant Ross Gear says distracted driving is a problem everywhere, and that a driver’s primary focus should be on the road.

“Even with all the education out there, it still is a problem province-wide,” says Gear. “There’s lots of different studies, and all the studies come to the same conclusion that distracted driving has a causational effect for collisions.”

Gear notes that distracted driving applies even when stopped at a red light. He says educating the public on the topic is having some impact on distracted driving in the city.

“What we’re seeing in Grande Prairie, is it seems to be holding pretty steady. It’s come down a little bit. Education is having some sort of effect, enforcement is having a bit of an effect. There’s still a bit of a problem out there, so we have to keep our foot on the gas so to speak. Studies are showing it’s in many ways equal to being impaired when you’re driving,” says Gear.

Plan Ahead

Why Would You Pre-Plan Your Funeral?

Apr 03, 2024

Dying away from home

What Happens if You Die Away From Home?

Mar 04, 2024

Flag Retiring Ceremony

What Do You Do With Worn-Out Flags?

Feb 01, 2024

Gear explains there’s a list of things that can distract drivers such as entering information onto a GPS unit, video games and mp3 players, and personal grooming. He says the most common distraction is from cell phones.

The penalties for distracted driving include a $287.00 fine along with three demerit points. Tickets for distracted driving are issued to whoever is driving the vehicle, not the registered owner, and a driver can be charged even if their driving performance doesn’t seem affected.

Disabled parking spots are also focused on this month.

Gear says one of the reasons this topic is being highlighted is because of the extremely cold weather.

“It’s hard enough under good conditions, and especially in weather like this. If somebody needs to have good accessibility to a building or some other place, then everybody needs to respect that and make sure that those parking stalls stay free for the people that need them.“

Gear explains municipal bylaws govern disabled parking spots on both public and private property.

He adds the penalty for parking in a disabled stall without a valid permit is a $250.00 fine.