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"know the rules of the road"

Alberta and Rocky RCMP focusing on distracted driving

Feb 7, 2020 | 10:25 AM

This month the Alberta RCMP are putting the focus on distracted driving.

“Distracted driving is a focus at all times and there is an annual Alberta traffic safety calendar, and for February distracted driving is the focus,” Rocky Mountain Houses Traffic Services member Cst. Mark Genge states.

Alberta Sheriffs Supt. Rick Gardner claimed in a media release that research showed that distracted driving plays a role in 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions.

In that same release it was revealed that in 2019 there were over 9,000 people charged with distracted driving offences in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions.

“Cell phone use, whether it’s talking on the phone, or texting, is the most common form,” Genge said of what is seen most frequently in Rocky and surrounding area.

“However, dogs on driver’s laps, makeup being applied, eating, and even reading are other common forms of driving distractions we encounter.”

If mistakes are made and you do end up getting pulled over, it could pay to be nice.

“It’s possible that a driver’s attitude can play a role in the outcome of a traffic stop, but every situation is different,” Genge admitted as to whether or not he would give a ticket, or a warning to the offending driver.

“We hope to be treated the same way the driver we stop expects to be treated.”

He also explained that there are times when it can be more effective to educate an individual rather than to just give them a ticket.

However, he made clear that a driver that blows through a 30 kph school zone going 60 will get a ticket every time, but explained that a driver who made a safe, but illegal, U-turn halfway down a residential block would be more likely to get a warning, and be educated instead.

“While we do some educating versus a ticket writing, it’s important to note that it is the driver’s responsibility to know the rules of the road,” Rocky Cst. Mark Genge reiterated.