(The Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Police focus on distracted driving for awareness campaign this month

Feb 1, 2021 | 11:55 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Police in Lethbridge are focusing on the issue of distracted driving this month.

Distracted driving is against the law in Alberta, with LPS noting it carries a fine of $287 and three demerit points.

So, what exactly is distracted driving? LPS explained that drivers are not allowed to engage in any activity that distracts them from the operation of a vehicle, even while stopped at a red light.

Restricted activities include, but are not limited to:

• Holding, viewing or manipulating a cell phone or other communication device – this includes texting, emailing or holding the phone while speaking (holding a phone that is on speaker is not the same as hands-free mode, according to LPS)
• Holding, viewing or manipulating hand-held electronic devices like tablet computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and portable audio players (e.g. MP3 players)
• Entering information into GPS units
• Reading printed materials
• Writing, printing or sketching
• Personal grooming (brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails, shaving, etc.)

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If you are doing any of the above, you can be charged with distracted driving, even if one’s driving performance doesn’t appear to be affected.

LPS has listed some activities that are still allowed while driving:

• Using a hand-held cell phone ONLY if calling emergency response (911)
• Using a cell phone in hands-free mode
• Drinking a beverage or eating a snack
• Smoking
• Talking to passengers
• Using a 2-way or CB radio when required to do so for employment purposes
• Using a GPS that is either voice-activated or programmed BEFORE you begin driving. The GPS device must be secured to the vehicle and not held in the driver’s hand.

“Remember, police have the discretion to lay charges if you are engaging in any activity that distracts you from your ability to drive safely. Keep your focus on the road and pull over to park if you will be doing anything that might take your attention away from driving safely. Since police have the discretion to lay charges if you are engaged in activities that impair your ability to drive safely, you could be charged with distracted driving if you are distracted by your pet,” read a release from Lethbridge Police.

“In addition – if your pet was in your lap – you could also be charged for: allowing something to occupy the front seat of your vehicle; interfering with your access to the vehicle’s controls; and the safe operation of the vehicle; or for allowing something to obstruct your clear vision. For everyone’s safety, it is recommended that pets are always secured in an appropriate pet carrier.”

Cyclists must also follow the same laws as drivers of motor vehicles when it comes to distractions, with the same $287 fine applied.

LPS cited the Traffic Safety Act Distracted Driving rules and noted restrictions that apply to cyclists:

• Using hand-held cellphones
• Texting or e-mailing
• Using electronic devices like cameras and portable audio players
• Entering information on GPS units
• Reading printed materials
• Writing, printing or sketching
• Personal grooming

Wearing headphones while cycling is not illegal, but is not recommended.

“You’re less likely to hear emergency responders, railway crossing signals, and other sounds that could warn you of danger. Wearing headphones also makes you more likely to get into a collision with vehicles or pedestrians since you’re less aware of your surroundings,” said LPS.

“By minimizing their distractions, pedestrians can also decrease the chances of them being involved in a collision with passing motorists. More than 96 per cent of pedestrian casualty collisions occurred in urban areas and more than 29 per cent occurred during the evening rush-hour (3-7 PM.).”

During that rush hour, drivers have to keep track of numerous items, including pedestrians. LPS stated that pedestrians also need to pay attention and offered up the following tips.

1) Remove your headphones

When you’re walking near busy roadways, you need to be able to use all your senses to stay safe. We recommend you take out your earbuds so you can listen for changes in traffic such as emergency response vehicles.

2) Put your phone away

When you’re crossing the street, look at the cars around you and not at your phone. Be prepared in case a driver makes a mistake or a wrong turn.

3) Use the sidewalk

LPS said when there is one available, it’s important for pedestrians to always walk on the sidewalk. If there isn’t a sidewalk, people should walk off the road, facing traffic and stay as far away from vehicles as possible.

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