Harsher penalties for distracted driving coming soon

Harsher penalties for distracted driving kick in on Saturday.

On Feb. 1, the fine for a first infraction will double to $580, to go with four demerit points.

“The good thing is, it’s optional. You don’t have to pay them. All you have to do is avoid driving distracted. They’re really easy to avoid,” SGI communications person Tyler McMurchy said during the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Thursday.

After a conviction, the penalties escalate for a second offence within a calendar year.

The penalty would be a $1,400 fine, plus another four demerit points and a week-long vehicle impound at the owner’s expense.

Should drivers commit a third offence, the ticket would be $2,100 and another four demerits, “which at this point you’re probably on the negative side of the safe driver recognition scale. You’re looking at paying an additional financial penalty,” McMurchy said.

The driver would face another seven-day vehicle impoundment, taken roadside.

Since the new penalties were announced, McMurchy said police have been reporting fewer offences.

“I think it’s going to change some people’s behaviour. For some people, it might take getting that month-ruining, $580 ticket. Hopefully we won’t see too many people making the same mistake twice,” he said.

“This is a safety concern. Distracted driving is the leading cause of collisions, injuries and fatalities. We need to see those numbers come down.”