By Bryan Eneas

Police to target distracted drivers in March

Feb 28, 2017 | 1:00 PM

Those using their cellphones behind the wheel risk paying for it in March.

Distracted driving is the second most contributing factor to collisions in Saskatchewan according to SGI and police will target offending drivers next month.

In 2015, 5,700 collisions were related to distracted driving which caused 802 injuries and 36 deaths on Saskatchewan roadways.

“At road speeds a quick lapse in attention can come with a lifetime of consequences,” Earl Cameron, the executive vice-president of the auto-fund said in a media release. “Next time you have the urge to do anything but drive behind the wheel, ask yourself if that distraction is really worth it.”

Legislation around cellphones was strengthened on Jan. 1. Drivers holding, viewing or manipulating mobile devices while driving can receive a $280 ticket and four demerit points to their licence.

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Repeat offenders can see their vehicles seized for seven days.

Experienced drivers are allowed to operate hand-free or voice activated, or one-touch controlled devices. Units must be dash, visor or cradle mounted. Drivers in the graduated driving program cannot use cellphones or hands-free devices.

Distracted driving goes beyond cellphone use behind the wheel. People who apply make-up, eat and search their vehicle for loose articles are also seen as distracted drivers.

While January may have seen a safety spotlight focus on impaired driving, 397 distracted driving tickets were handed out, 321 were for cellphone use specifically.

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @BryanEneas