Is it distracted driving if your are eating a chicken salad sandwich while you drive as you yell at your brother in the passenger seat for making fun of you for driving with your cat in your lap? No. No. And Yes.
Halfway through Alberta's Distracted Driving Month, RCMP are again reminding motorists of the do's and don'ts of distracted driving laws in Alberta.
Check out this article ... as long as you are not driving ... and follow the rules.
RCMP remind residents that February marks distracted driving month in Alberta. Distracted driving is similar to impaired driving as the driver’ s judgement can be compromised when they are not fully focused on the road. Distracted driving can lead to reduced reaction time, impaired judgement and the possibility of injury or death to the driver, passengers and/or others on or along the roadway.
The legislation restricts drivers from:
· Using hand-held cell phones
· Texting or emailing
· Using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g. MP3 players)
· Entering information on GPS units
· Reading printed materials in the vehicle
· Writing, printing or sketching, and
· Personal grooming (brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails or shaving).
Drivers are allowed to use hands-free mobile devices that are activated by a single touch or voice activated, eat a snack, drink a beverage, smoke, or talk with a passenger while driving. For drivers, a pet occupying the front seat, or on the lap of a driver could be charged with distracted driving if the driver appears to be too involved with his/her pet. A driver could also be charged for a pet occupying the front seat of a vehicle such that the pet interferes with the driver's access to the vehicle controls and the safe operation of the vehicle.
The neighbouring Strathcona County RCMP have issued approximately 64 distracted driving violation tickets since January 1, 2017.
The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $287 fine and three demerit points.
