MEDICINE HAT, AB — Cell phones have become an essential part of our everyday lives, but it’s still an issue when people are operating a vehicle.
For the month of August, the Medicine Hat Police Service are looking for distracted drivers.
When your cell phone rings, your first instinct is to take a look but it’s a problem when you’re driving.
Some Medicine Hat residents admit to checking their phones while they are behind the wheel.
“Well you know I think everybody has at one point, looked at their phone or checked their email or something,” said one person.
“I agree. I myself, I know, I’ve glanced at my cell phone,” said another person.
Medicine Hat Police Service did a patrol on Thursday for two hours, and ticketed a total of nine drivers
Inspector Joe West, with the Medicine Hat Police Service, says they are trying new techniques to find people checking their devices while driving.
“We use vehicles that are unmarked, that allow us to have a vantage point to see into other vehicles, and simply see if people are distracted driving. At that point they may receive a summons from an officer,” said West.
West says if the owner of the vehicle can’t be reached, the ticket will be mailed out.
A distracted driving ticket carries a fine of $287, and three demerit points, but if the ticket is sent in the mail, it won’t carry the demerit points similar to photo radar.
One Hatter wouldn’t like to see that letter in the mail, but knows it’s an issue with drivers.
“Well you never like that of course right, but fair enough. It is the law,” said one person. “We shouldn’t be on our phones at the intersections. Everybody is on them.”
Another person thinks the possibility of being ticketed has led to changes in the way she drives.
“I think it’s a good idea. As a matter of fact it’s made me start to use hands free,” said one person.
The public can also report drivers they see talking or using a phone.
Police say to report someone you have to have clear visual evidence, and be prepared to deliver a statement in person.
“Should the person be charged, police would be asking for a witness statement from that person,” said West. “To put pen to paper and actually describe what you saw, and then there’s the possibility of having to be a witness in court should the driver plead not guilty to the offence.”
With one two hour crackdown complete, police will continue to focus on distracted driving through the month.
