Motorists are being reminded of the importance of putting distractions away while on the road, especially during poor road conditions.
Alberta RCMP are issuing the reminder in response to changing road conditions, which officials say can at times be challenging to navigate, so it is important to be fully aware of what is going on around you. According to RCMP in 2024 3,942 people across the province were charged for distracted driving.
According to the reminder, while may think of texting or talking on a phone when they think of distracted driving, it goes beyond and includes anything that takes a driver’s attention from driving the vehicle safely. This can include personal grooming, adjusting GPS or audio devices or attending to passengers or pets in the vehicle.
To avoid this drivers are encouraged to be prepared before putting the vehicle into drive by pre-setting their hands-free device, inputting the destination address into the GPS and pre-setting the radio or music. If a call or text needs to be made or if any distracting activity needs to happen drivers are told to pull over and park when it is safe to do so.
Sargent Darrin Turnbull with Alberta RCMP Traffic says that stopping at a red light is not a safe place to do these activities as it is still considered distracted driving.
“It may seem harmless to check a text or switch a song while driving, but that second where your attention is diverted could have devastating consequences,” Turnbull says. “Distractions behind the wheel are never worth putting yourself, or other motorists, at risk.”
The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $300 fine and three demerit points. The bigger price you pay is risking your own safety and the safety of others.
