Distracted Driving Month

By Rechell McDonald
May marks the time when the RCMP likes to focus on raising awareness about distracted driving. Interestingly, Distracted Driving Month happens to coincide with Young Drivers Month, two situations which, in this day and age, go hand-in-hand.
The distracted driving laws in Alberta 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. You might think the performance of some of these things while driving (such as grooming) is absolutely ludicrous, but far stranger activities have been observed while driving including eating a bowl of cereal. Getting a ticket for distracted driving in Alberta will cost you a cool $172.
Activities that will not be penalized include taking a sip of coffee or water, blowing your nose or conversing with passengers. Eating is a bit of a sticky situation, however. Popping a chip into your mouth is one thing, but eating a hamburger, for example, could be reasonably argued as a distraction by an officer who pulls you over. Officers can also pull you over if you have a pet on your lap and you are driving. No person or animal is allowed to occupy the same space as the driver of the vehicle while the vehicle is being operated; and, although there is no specific clause pertaining to animals in the law, a police officer could easily argue that a pet is not only a distraction but that a pet can impede your ability to react in the event of an accident. Long story short? Keep your pets crated or confined safely in the rear of the vehicle while driving.
We spend hours a day glued to our smartphones checking emails, answering calls, and sending text messages – not to mention surfing the web! This is a particular problem with new drivers who have grown up in a world where cell phones have always been a reality. Take this opportunity to discuss with your children the importance of putting down their phones while driving, and using good judgment when it comes to extracurricular activities and driving.