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Distracted driving tickets on the decline three years after fines increased

Jan 15, 2019 | 3:51 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s still a common scene on Medicine Hat’s streets, someone taking their gaze off the road to look down at an email, text, or phone call.

However, since penalties were increased by the provincial government three years ago, fewer distracted driving tickets are being handed out on city streets.

On January 1, 2016, the province raised the fine for distracted driving from $172 to $287, while also adding three demerit points for those ticketed.

Traffic Unit Sgt. Clarke White with the Medicine Hat Police Service said they’re approaching the ticket numbers with cautious optimism.

“The numbers show that it’s on the decline, however you drive around and you see it all over the place and you see it regularly,” said White.

Distracted driving tickets have been declining in Medicine Hat since 2013, when almost 1,300 tickets were handed out in city limits.

Since the increased fines and demerits were announced three years ago, totals have dropped from 915 tickets in 2015 to 707 tickets last year, representing a 23 percent drop.

White said he believes their message is getting out there, but added there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“I think people are trying to obey the laws, truly are,” he said. “And, the other reason I think it’s just tough to enforce in some aspects, and it means we’ve got to get a little more creative with it.”

One of the most effective methods for Medicine Hat Police has been the practice of spotting, which is possible when more than officer is able to participate.

“If we have some guys with some rare down time, they might place a spotter up the road watching for devices in hand and then radioing ahead to officers up the road,” he said.

Cell phones aren’t the only culprits of distracted driving however, as drivers have been ticketed for eating, reading, and even putting on makeup.

Though White said one infraction they’ve seen quite a bit is pet owners driving with their furry friends also behind the wheel.

“There’s all kinds of things that people may not be aware of as well including pets on laps and stuff like that,” he said. “Pets on your shoulder, which I just saw the other day a dog riding up on the shoulders of a driver.”

Over the past few years, a number of provinces such as Ontario and Manitoba have introduced licence suspensions to try to curb distracted driving, though White said that’s likely not needed here in Medicine Hat.

“That’s pretty hefty and as police in Medicine Hat, I’m not sure that’s where we want to see it go,” he said. “But, what ultimately what we want to see is compliance with the law.”

By putting the phone aside and focusing on the road ahead, White said it’s something that isn’t just good for your own health, but for fellow motorists as well.

“It’s that rare opportunity that you can actually put your device down and have some peace and quiet, and alone time in your vehicle,” he said. “And, just take that time and get where you’re going safely for everyone’s sake.”

According to the RCMP, driver distraction is a factor in about four million collisions per year in North America.