Edmonton drivers are apparently too busy writing text messages or carrying phone calls than looking at the road, according to a report from Canada Journal.
The article cites chief Rod Knecht, who is so confident that he will write four tickets every morning on his way to work so he can hand them out to the distracted drivers he spots.
“At a busy intersection in the morning I’ll tell you I can write probably four tickets on my way in to work,” Knecht said. “Where writing a lot more tickets,” Knecht told the Edmonton Police Commission Thursday of the more than 5,500 that have been handed out. “Enforcement’s up, we’re doing more of it. But we’re not seeing a dip in people breaking the law.”
The recent changes in legislation to add demerit points still isn’t enough to convince drivers to put away their cell phones, he suggested, speaking in front of the Edmonton Police Commission.
” We know since the new legislation came in we’re at 275 that have actually gotten three demerit points. So if you get a couple of those, now your drivers licence is in jeopardy and I think that’s when people will start to take notice.”
Councillor Michael Oshry would like to see even stiffer penalties, but that’s something the province has to decide upon, not the city. He sees distracted driving as a “significant safety issue and more likely than speeding”.
On the other hand, distracted driving tickets have seen a 13% decline year-over-year in Calgary, according to a recent report from CBC News. There the latest legislation imposes a $287 fine with a possible gain of three demerit points.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
More offensers or are they just sending out more officers and writing more tickets?
Both!
Everyone offends. Even people who know better. Even people who can afford a bluetooth headset and Siri.
It’s mass civil disobedience out there.
Seize the device!!
I walk my dog every day and always end up at a few intersections waiting for the light to change. EVERY day without exception I see men and women, young and old, texting while waiting for the light or driving through the intersection texting.
It’s gotten worse rather than better. Remember years ago when they first started the do not drink and drive campaign? I think that is where we are at when it comes to educating people.
100% agree. Even better if the phone manufacturers can implement an automatic lock for the driver so it literally can’t be used. I appreciate this is difficult as the passenger seat person will want to use their phone.
Calgary is the same. Now that it’s dark after work, lots of drivers faces are seen lit up with phone screens.
This means nothing to me. People should be allowed to do what they want.
Giving out demerit points and taking peoples licenses away, then putting them out of work. Great, more people on the unemployment and welfare rolls for the rest of us to support. Thank you government.