Calgary, AB,
05
February
2013
|
08:51
America/Denver

Distracted driving top of mind for Calgary police in February

The Calgary Police Service is continuing to warn drivers about the dangers of driving while distracted.
 
February’s focus in the Alberta Traffic Safety – Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) is distracted driving. While no specific operation is planned, officers across Calgary will be focusing on distracted driving habits.
 
Police are reminding drivers that holding onto any electronic device while operating a motor vehicle (including at a red light, stop sign or traffic standstill) is unlawful but also very dangerous. 
 
Other distractions can include playing with an MP3 player, adjusting your GPS, grooming, reading, playing a musical instrument and eating. Anyone of these infractions could net a $172 fine.
 
“There are so many ways to avoid distracted driving with today’s technology - including Bluetooth devices and applications that will read your text messages and respond for you,” says Cst. Jim Lebedeff of the CPS Traffic Education Unit.  “We cannot stress enough that operating a motor vehicle is a full time job.  It only takes a split second for a distraction to occur that may change the course of your life forever.”  
 
Police will be watching for other traffic infractions, which may be signs of distracted driving, including: 
 
  • failing to signal lane changes or unsafe lane changes (which may include erratic driving or wandering in and out of the lanes)
  • speeding, not signaling or making wide turns because of not paying attention 
  • following too close
  • driving left of center (which involves pulling over to the wrong side of the road or curb, on any roadway)
  • failing to obey a traffic control device
  • careless driving
  • failing to yield to a pedestrian
Fines range from $115 for failing to obey a traffic control device up to $575 for failing to stop for a pedestrian. 
 
The CPS would like to make our roadways a safe environment for everyone to enjoy whether they are behind the wheel, a passenger or walking on Calgary’s roads.
 
Please direct any inquiries to Cst. Jim Lebedeff at 403-567-4044.