Talking on hand-held cellphones, texting, reading or applying makeup while driving were scheduled to become illegal in Alberta on Sept. 1, in addition to any activity deemed a distraction from driving.
That’s when the province implemented its distracted driving legislation. The new law doesn’t apply to those operating tractors, combines and other farm equipment in fields, so harvest season can continue as usual until drivers hit the road.
Once on urban or rural roads, legislation applies to all vehicles as defined under the Traffic Safety Act.
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Drivers are restricted from using hand-held cellphones, texting or e-mailing, using laptop computers, video games, cameras and portable audio players, entering information on GPS units, reading printed materials, writing, printing, sketching and personal grooming.
The fine is $172. No demerit points will be involved.
According to the provincial transportation department, the most frequently asked question about the legislation concerns pets in vehicles.
“In situations where the driver becomes too involved with their pet, police could reasonably argue that the distraction is comparable to the specifically banned activities of reading, writing and grooming and lay a charge,” the department said.
Existing legislation already allows police to charge drivers who allow a pet to occupy the front seat and interfere with driver access to vehicle controls.
Activities while driving that are not restricted under the new law include using a hands-free cellphone or an earphone, drinking beverages, eating a snack, smoking, talking with passengers, using a GPS or a CB radio and calling 911.
Alberta Transportation says the legislation is expected to reduce traffic accidents.
“International research shows that 20 to 30 percent of all collisions involve driver distraction and that goes way beyond just cellphone use. Clearly we have to take action.
“Traffic collisions impose enormous costs on our society and anything that we can do to improve safety provides tremendous benefits to all Albertans.”
Saskatchewan banned hand-held cellphone use in January 2010 with a fine of $280 and four demerit points for those in violation.
British Columbia imposed similar rules at the same time, with a fine of $167, while Manitoba implemented its hand-held cellphone ban on July 15, 2010, with fines of $191.
Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island all have similar rules.
