MHPS puts added focus on distracted driving

By Mo Cranker on February 3, 2018.

mcranker@medicinehatnews.com @MHNmocranker

The Medicine Hat Police Service is reminding Hatters to keep their eyes on the road this month, as part of a province-wide distracted driving campaign.

“This falls in line with our traffic safety calendar,” said MHPS Sgt. Clarke White. “That being said, distracted driving is something we focus on all year. In February we just look at it a little closer, and we really just push our zero-tolerance policy on distracted driving in hopes of reducing distracted driving.”

According to an email sent out by the government of Alberta, 20 to 30 per cent of accidents involve a distracted driver, and that distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision compared to attentive drivers.

“Any time you take your focus off the road, it’s dangerous,” said White. “Whether it’s to check your phone, or any other device, anything can happen when your eyes are off the road. That’s why it’s so dangerous to drive distracted.

“You’re just not reacting how you should, or maybe you’re not reacting at all. On the highway, taking your eyes off the road can make you veer to one side or the other. That can put you at extreme danger, especially at that high of a speed.”

While cellphones are the biggest temptation for drivers, says White, there are several infractions that can result in a distracted driving ticket, which costs $287 and comes with three demerit points.

“Cellphones are always the biggest talk, and they are so dangerous,” he said. “Not only is your focus off the road, but you’re using your fine motor skills to operate the phone.

“(But) the law allows us to deal with other types of distraction like pets on your lap, or anything on your lap or in the front of the vehicle that could be distracting or prevent safe operation of your vehicle. GPS devices, movie screens, stuff like that can all fall into the definition of distracted driving.”

White says it comes down to the safety of yourself and others.

“It’s just as easy as keeping your eyes and focus off of that device for the short time you’re in the car,” he said. “You’re not on the road alone and you need to keep others’ safety in mind when driving.”

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